Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic FH5

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic FH5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the FH5 (16MP) is relatively similar and they come with the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VR-340 was introduced 13 months after the FH5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the VR-340 matches up against the FH5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-340 has physical measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH5 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic FH5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the VR-340 compared to the FH5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-340 and FH5 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing specs. The picture underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and FH5.

All in all, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same exact MP so you should expect similar quality of photographs but you would want to factor the production date of the products into consideration. The more modern VR-340 should have a benefit in sensor tech.