Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic G100

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic G100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the G100 (20MP) is very similar but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and G100 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The VR-340 was revealed 9 years before the G100 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G100 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the VR-340 grades versus the G100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic Lumix DC-G100. The full galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Panasonic G100 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-340 comes with outer measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic G100 has sizing of 116mm x 83mm x 54mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 352 grams (0.78 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic G100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the VR-340 against the G100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and G100 is 96 and 81 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading specifications. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-340 and G100.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The VR-340 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic G100 will offer more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged VR-340 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.