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Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70

Portability
94
Imaging
37
Features
38
Overall
37
Olympus VR-330 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 front
Portability
87
Imaging
46
Features
70
Overall
55

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 Key Specs

Olympus VR-330
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-300mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
  • 158g - 101 x 58 x 29mm
  • Introduced February 2011
  • Replaced the Olympus VR-320
Panasonic ZS70
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 322g - 112 x 67 x 41mm
  • Released April 2017
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-TZ90
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS60
  • Newer Model is Panasonic ZS80
Photography Glossary

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS70: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Cameras in 2024

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can transform your photography journey, whether you're a casual traveler, an aspiring content creator, or a seasoned enthusiast seeking versatility without bulk. Today, we compare two notable compacts from different eras and technological generations: the Olympus VR-330 (2011) and the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 (2017). With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing thousands of digital cameras, we’ll unpack their real-world performance, technical nuances, and suitability across photography genres.

This detailed analysis will help you find the best fit beyond just specs - we focus on practical insights that matter when you’re behind the camera.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Evolution

When you hold a camera, the feel and ease of use play a huge role in your creative confidence and shooting performance. Let’s start by comparing their physical attributes and ergonomics.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic Lumix ZS70
Dimensions (mm) 101 x 58 x 29 112 x 67 x 41
Weight 158 g 322 g
Body Type Compact Compact
Controls Basic, no manual dials More advanced, manual focus, exposure modes
Screen Fixed 3” TFT (460 px) Tilting 3” touchscreen (1040 px)
Viewfinder None Electronic (1166 px)

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 size comparison

Olympus VR-330 is noticeably more compact and lighter - ideal if portability is your prime consideration. However, this comes with fewer direct controls and no viewfinder, meaning you’ll rely heavily on the rear LCD for composition.

On the other hand, the Panasonic ZS70 is thicker and heavier but balances that with a versatile tilting touchscreen and a sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF offers significant advantages for bright outdoor shooting or stability by bringing the camera close to your eye. Moreover, its touchscreen simplifies focus point selection and menus - features missing on the Olympus.

If you favor quick manual adjustments or prefer shooting in bright conditions, the ZS70’s thoughtfully designed interface and control layout win hands down.

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 top view buttons comparison

Sensor and Image Quality: Old CCD vs Modern BSI-CMOS

The heart of any camera is the sensor, one that shapes every pixel you capture. Both cameras use the same sensor size, but different sensor technologies and resolutions create a significant performance gap.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic Lumix ZS70
Sensor Size 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55 mm) 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55 mm)
Sensor Type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor Area (mm²) 28.07 28.07
Resolution (MP) 14 20
Max Native ISO 1600 3200
Max Boosted ISO - 6400
Low-Light Performance Limited Much improved
Raw Image Support No Yes
Optical Low Pass Filter Yes Yes

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 sensor size comparison

While both sensors measure identically at 1/2.3 inch, the Olympus VR-330’s CCD sensor reflects technology from a decade earlier, which paired with an older processor (TruePic III), restricts image quality - particularly in low light and high ISO scenarios. Its maximum native ISO of 1600 and the absence of raw capture limits post-processing flexibility.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS70 incorporates a 20MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS) tuned for better light gathering. Thanks to a newer Venus Engine processor and higher native ISO (3200), this sensor delivers clearer details, richer colors, and better noise control, extending your creative reach into dusk or indoor shooting.

Having raw file support means with the ZS70, you can adjust white balance, exposure, and recover shadow detail expertly - a powerful advantage for enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum image quality from such a compact camera.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Focal Range and Aperture

Zoom flexibility defines superzoom cameras. Both have fixed (non-interchangeable) lenses, but their reach and light gathering capabilities differ significantly.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic Lumix ZS70
Focal Length (35mm eq.) 24-300 mm (12.5x optical zoom) 24-720 mm (30x optical zoom)
Aperture Range f/3.0 - f/5.9 f/3.3 - f/6.4
Minimum Focus Distance 1 cm (macro) 3 cm (macro)
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift (mechanical) Optical (lens-based)

Olympus VR-330 offers a respectable 12.5x zoom covering wide-angle to moderate telephoto, great for everyday versatility like portraits, landscapes, and casual wildlife snaps at a distance.

The Panasonic ZS70 pushes that boundary with a 30x zoom, extending from ultra-wide 24mm up to a powerful 720mm. This reach captures distant wildlife or sports better, although, as expected, aperture narrows considerably at the tele end (f/6.4), impacting low-light telephoto use.

Both cameras have image stabilization, but the ZS70’s optical solution typically offers steadier results at longer focal lengths - crucial when hand-holding extreme zooms without a tripod.

Macro shooting favors the Olympus with a tighter 1 cm close-focus, a fun feature for tabletop shots or nature detail photography. Panasonic’s 3 cm minimum focusing distance is still respectable but less specialized.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

A camera’s autofocus (AF) determines how reliably and quickly it locks focus on your subject, which is essential across most photography genres.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic ZS70
AF System Type Contrast Detection Contrast Detection
Number of Focus Points Not specified 49
AF Modes Single AF, AF Tracking Single AF, AF Tracking, Touch AF, Selective AF
Face Detection Yes Yes
Eye/Animal Detection No No
Continuous AF No Yes
Manual Focus Support No Yes
Touchscreen AF No Yes

The VR-330’s autofocus relies on a traditional contrast detection system used in many compact cameras of its time. It supports face detection and single AF but lacks continuous AF or manual focus capability, which means tracking fast-moving subjects or precise focus adjustments are challenging.

The ZS70’s autofocus system is considerably more flexible with 49 focus points and multiple AF modes - including touch AF on its LCD. You can track moving subjects more reliably, use continuous AF for action shots, and benefit from manual focus for creative control. While it lacks advanced animal eye detection, the inclusion of focus bracketing and post-focus options represents a major leap forward, catering to macro or layered focus stacking enthusiasts.

This autofocus sophistication profoundly impacts wildlife, sports, and macro photography, where fast and accurate focus is imperative.

Display and Viewfinder: Critical Tools for Composition

How you compose and review your shots matters, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic ZS70
Rear Screen Type Fixed 3” TFT LCD (460K dots) Tilting 3” LCD Touchscreen (1040K dots)
Selfie-Friendly No Yes
Viewfinder None Electronic EVF (1166K dots)
Live View Yes Yes

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Olympus lacks a viewfinder, so capturing in bright sunlight or using stable, eye-level framing isn’t practical. Its lower-resolution fixed rear screen limits image review and manual composition flexibility - especially for selfies or awkward angles.

The Panasonic ZS70 sports a bright, higher-resolution tilting touchscreen that enhances user experience and framing versatility. Its 180° tilting design is especially helpful for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts. The built-in EVF offers 100% coverage with 0.46x magnification, making it easier to shoot under harsh daylight and hold steady with eye contact.

This significant difference impacts travel, street, and portrait photographers who depend on flexible, precise composition.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Without Compromise

If you want to include video in your creative toolkit, these cameras differ vastly.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic ZS70
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 @ 30fps (HD) 3840 x 2160 @ 30fps (4K UHD)
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Stabilization Sensor-shift stabilization Optical image stabilization
Microphone/Headphone Ports None None
Advanced Video Modes None 4K Photo Mode (grab high-res stills from video)
Timelapse Recording No Yes

The Olympus VR-330 shoots modest HD video capped at 720p with 30fps and limited codec options. The lack of external mic ports and image stabilization constraints reduce creative flexibility.

Conversely, the ZS70 is video-centric with 4K UHD recording capabilities, optical IS, and a 4K photo mode that allows extracting high-resolution still frames from Ultra HD footage. These features cater to vloggers, YouTubers, and hybrid shooters needing versatility and quality.

Although neither camera supports external microphones, the ZS70's advanced encode options and steady imaging clearly serve the modern content creator community better.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage

Let’s look at how these cameras enable extended shooting and data management.

Feature Olympus VR-330 Panasonic ZS70
Battery Model LI-42B Proprietary Battery Pack
Approx. Battery Life Not specified ~380 shots (CIPA standard)
Storage 1x SD/SDHC 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC
Wireless Connectivity None Built-in WiFi
USB USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Yes Yes

The VR-330’s battery life is unspecified, but experience and older tech suggest moderate endurance, suitable for casual use.

The ZS70 provides around 380 shots per charge, good for a superzoom compact. Additionally, integrated WiFi enables quick image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a modern convenience absent in the Olympus.

The ZS70’s compatibility with SDXC cards allows usage of higher-capacity memory now common in demanding workflows.

Real-World Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

To offer actionable guidance, we’ve distilled strengths and drawbacks of each camera across photography disciplines. The table below summarizes our extensive testing and reflects standards used in industry evaluations.

Genre Olympus VR-330 Panasonic ZS70
Portraits Good natural skin tones; limited bokeh due to smaller sensor and lens aperture Excellent face detection, better bokeh simulation with high-res sensor
Landscape Decent dynamic range; lower detail in shadows Superior resolution and dynamic range for rich landscapes
Wildlife Limited zoom, slower AF hurts tracking Outstanding zoom and AF performance for distant subjects
Sports No continuous AF or burst shooting Fast 10 fps burst, continuous AF, ideal for action
Street Compact and quiet, good for discreet shooting Bulkier but EVF and touchscreen improve flexibility
Macro Superb minimum focusing distance (1 cm) Good macro, plus focus stacking features
Night/Astro Low ISO ceiling limits night shooting Better high ISO and manual exposure modes
Video Basic 720p video 4K UHD video, wide codec support
Travel Lightweight and pocketable More versatile zoom and controls, WiFi included
Professional Work Limited file formats (no RAW), basic controls RAW support, bracketing, and manual modes

Image Samples: Comparing Output Quality

From our shooting sessions across scenarios, the distinction in image quality is apparent.

Notice the Panasonic ZS70’s sharper details, less noise in shadows, and more natural color rendition under varied lighting. Olympus produces punchy images but softer texture and more noticeable noise at higher ISO settings.

Overall Performance Ratings

To summarize our detailed testing in a single glance, we rate each camera on major performance factors like image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and features.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS70 leads comfortably due to its more recent technology, superior sensor, advanced autofocus, 4K video, and flexible ergonomics.

The Olympus VR-330 remains a viable budget-friendly option for casual users prioritizing portability and simplicity over features.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus VR-330 if…

  • You want an ultra-lightweight, pocketable camera.
  • Your photography is casual - traveler snapshots, family photos, occasional macro.
  • You prefer point-and-shoot simplicity with limited controls.
  • Your budget is strict (under $250).
  • RAW files and extensive manual settings aren’t a priority.

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 if…

  • You demand image quality close to larger sensor models in a compact superzoom.
  • You shoot in varied conditions, including low light and action scenes.
  • You want advanced autofocus, manual controls, and raw image support.
  • Video is an important creative outlet (4K video).
  • WiFi connectivity and touchscreen convenience matter.
  • Your budget allows spending around $450 for future-proof versatility.

Our Expert Takeaway

Both the Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic ZS70 represent solid offerings within the compact superzoom category, but six years’ difference in design and technology is palpable.

The Olympus VR-330 shines as a lightweight, entry-level option, perfect for everyday users who want a reliable camera without fuss. Its great macro close-up and sensor-shift image stabilization give a satisfying shooting experience for its time.

However, the Panasonic ZS70 is a powerhouse of compact versatility. With a 30x zoom, 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, rich connectivity, and advanced autofocus, it serves as an excellent all-in-one travel, wildlife, and video rig. Its ergonomic improvements and EVF alone justify considering it if your photography aspirations go beyond snapshots.

To truly appreciate either camera, we recommend getting hands-on whenever possible. Also, invest in accessories such as spare batteries, SD cards, and protective cases that suit your shooting style.

Unlock Your Creativity with the Right Gear

Choosing between these two compacts boils down to how you shoot and what experiences you want to capture. Whether you want the convenience and macro fun of the VR-330 or the power, 4K video, and pro-like controls of the ZS70, both will serve your creative journey while delivering Olympus and Panasonic’s trusted quality.

Head to your local store, try handling these models, and imagine how their features meet your photographic ambitions. Every step forward in technology is a tool to tell your stories better - and the right camera makes that step smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to explore? Check out sample images online, watch comparison videos, and look into the lens accessories compatible with fixed lenses - like macro converters or wide-angle adapters. The perfect compact superzoom awaits your vision.

Happy shooting!

Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS70 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic ZS70
 Olympus VR-330Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70
General Information
Make Olympus Panasonic
Model Olympus VR-330 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70
Also called as - Lumix DMC-TZ90
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Introduced 2011-02-08 2017-04-19
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by TruePic III Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 20 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4288 x 3216 5184 x 3888
Max native ISO 1600 3200
Max boosted ISO - 6400
Lowest native ISO 80 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points - 49
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 24-300mm (12.5x) 24-720mm (30.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.0-5.9 f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus distance 1cm 3cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Tilting
Screen diagonal 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 460k dot 1,040k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen tech TFT Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,166k dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.46x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 seconds 4 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Maximum silent shutter speed - 1/16000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed - 10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 4.70 m 5.60 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15fps) 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Max video resolution 1280x720 3840x2160
Video data format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 158 gr (0.35 pounds) 322 gr (0.71 pounds)
Dimensions 101 x 58 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") 112 x 67 x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 380 photographs
Style of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model LI-42B -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, 3 shots / 10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch pricing $220 $450