Olympus VR-330 vs Zeiss ZX1

The following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus VR-330 and Zeiss ZX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the VR-330 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the VR-330 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The VR-330 was unveiled 8 years before the ZX1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the VR-330 grades against the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-330 and Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are available at Olympus VR-330 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus VR-330 comes with physical measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-330 and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the VR-330 compared to the ZX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-330 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor dimensions only by viewing specifications. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-330 and ZX1.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VR-330 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will render greater detail having an extra 23MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged VR-330 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.