Olympus VR-340 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus VR-340 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizes.

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The VR-340 was introduced 4 months after the GR Digital IV which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the VR-340 scores vs the GR Digital IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-340 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-340 provides external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-340 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the VR-340 against the GR Digital IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and GR Digital IV is 96 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and GR Digital IV.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The VR-340 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus VR-340 will result in extra detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively.