Olympus VR-330 vs Sony RX1

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus VR-330 and Sony RX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the VR-330 (14MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the VR-330 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The VR-330 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the RX1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the VR-330 matches up versus the RX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-330 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VR-330 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus VR-330 enjoys external dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VR-330 and Sony RX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the VR-330 compared to the RX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VR-330 and RX1 is 94 and 79 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VR-330 and RX1.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VR-330 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX1 will offer greater detail due to its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older VR-330 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.