Olympus VR-330 vs Sony HX5

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus VR-330 and Sony HX5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the VR-330 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the VR-330 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The VR-330 was announced 8 months after the HX5 so they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the VR-330 matches up versus the HX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VR-330 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-330 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-330 has got external dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus VR-330 and Sony HX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the VR-330 against the HX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-330 and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reviewing technical specs. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-330 and HX5.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The VR-330 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus VR-330 will deliver greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern VR-330 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.