Olympus VR-340 vs Sigma DP1

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus VR-340 and Sigma DP1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sigma. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The VR-340 was introduced 3 years later than the DP1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the VR-340 grades against the DP1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 and Sigma DP1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-340 enjoys exterior 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 Sigma DP1 has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-340 and Sigma DP1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the VR-340 versus the DP1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and DP1 is 96 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at specifications. The visual here might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and DP1.

To sum up, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VR-340 with its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Olympus VR-340 will give you extra detail using its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher VR-340 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.