Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic G2

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus VR-340 versus Panasonic G2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and G2 (12MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and G2 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor measurements.

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The VR-340 was brought out 19 months later than the G2 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the VR-340 grades versus the G2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Panasonic G2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-340 features outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic G2 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus VR-340 versus Panasonic G2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the VR-340 compared to the G2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and G2 is 96 and 72 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and G2.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The VR-340 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus VR-340 will offer you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The newer VR-340 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.