Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic GF7

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic GF7, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is relatively similar but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizes.

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The VR-340 was revealed 4 years before the GF7 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the VR-340 grades versus the GF7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-340 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-340 has got outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic GF7 has proportions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic GF7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the VR-340 and the GF7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and GF7 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and GF7.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The VR-340 includes the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The older VR-340 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.