Olympus VR-340 vs Olympus XZ-1

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus VR-340 versus Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") offer different sensor measurements.

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The VR-340 was introduced 12 months later than the XZ-1 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the VR-340 matches up versus the XZ-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 & Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-340 comes with physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-340 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the VR-340 versus the XZ-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and XZ-1 is 96 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by researching specifications. The photograph underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the VR-340 and XZ-1.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The VR-340 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus VR-340 will result in greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher VR-340 provides an advantage in sensor tech.