Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic G3

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic G3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is pretty similar but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

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The VR-340 was introduced 7 months after the G3 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the VR-340 grades versus the G3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus VR-340 has external 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 G3 has specifications of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic G3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the VR-340 against the G3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and G3 is 96 and 83 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes merely by going over specs. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and G3.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The VR-340 offers the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The more modern VR-340 should have an advantage in sensor technology.