Olympus VR-340 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

The following is a extensive overview of the Olympus VR-340 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have different sensor sizing.

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The VR-340 was introduced 11 months before the XZ-2 iHS so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the VR-340 grades against the XZ-2 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-340 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-340 enjoys external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-340 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the VR-340 against the XZ-2 iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and XZ-2 iHS is 96 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-340 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VR-340 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus VR-340 will provide greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged VR-340 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.