Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic ZR1

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic ZR1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The VR-340 was launched 2 years after the ZR1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summary of how the VR-340 grades vs the ZR1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-340 offers outer dimensions 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 ZR1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-340 and Panasonic ZR1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the VR-340 vs the ZR1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and ZR1 is 96 and 94 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor dimensions purely by going through specifications. The image here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the VR-340 and ZR1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Olympus VR-340 to show more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern VR-340 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.