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Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390

Portability
96
Imaging
39
Features
36
Overall
37
Olympus VR-340 front
 
Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 front
Portability
66
Imaging
54
Features
54
Overall
54

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 Key Specs

Olympus VR-340
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-240mm (F3.0-5.7) lens
  • 125g - 96 x 57 x 19mm
  • Launched January 2012
Sony A390
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
  • Released July 2010
  • Succeeded the Sony A380
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Choosing Between the Olympus VR-340 and the Sony A390: An Expert’s In-Depth Camera Comparison

When stepping up your photography game, deciding on the right camera can feel daunting. Two affordable yet very different options you might encounter are the Olympus VR-340 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 (Sony A390). Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’m excited to guide you through a comprehensive, real-world comparison of these two models - each appealing to distinct users and shooting styles.

Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or cautiously venturing into DSLR territory, my hands-on insights will help you decode technical details, usability, and image quality, so you can make an informed decision aligned with your creative goals.

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 size comparison

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

At first glance, these cameras occupy very different spaces:

  • Olympus VR-340: A compact fixed-lens camera that’s pocket-friendly with dimensions of 96 x 57 x 19 mm and weight around 125g. This ultra-portable design is ideal for casual shooting on the go.

  • Sony A390: An entry-level DSLR with the classic bulky footprint typical for DSLRs - 128 x 97 x 86 mm - tipping the scales at 549g. This sturdier body offers traditional ergonomics favored by enthusiasts.

If you prioritize maximum portability, the Olympus shines. Its slim profile and lightweight frame mean you can carry it everywhere without a second thought. The Sony, while heavier and less discreet, offers more physical control and grip comfort - key for longer shoots or professional environments.

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 top view buttons comparison

Control Layout and User Interface: Who’s More Intuitive?

Control placement can make or break your shooting experience.

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with basic 460-pixel resolution.
    • No electronic or optical viewfinder.
    • Simple button layout without manual exposure modes.
    • Touchscreen: No.
    • Minimal exposure controls - no aperture/shutter priority or manual modes.
    • Self-timer and basic flash options.
  • Sony A390

    • 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 230-pixel resolution.
    • Optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage.
    • Rich physical controls with dedicated dial and buttons for manual exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, and auto modes.
    • Custom white balance, exposure compensation, and bracketing.
    • Live view with phase-detection autofocus.
    • Self-timer with 2 or 10 second delay, external flash compatibility.

The Sony provides a vastly superior hands-on experience for beginners aspiring to learn manual control. Its classic DSLR interface is designed for you to grow your craft. By contrast, the Olympus aims for simplicity, suitable for point-and-shoot users or those prioritizing ease over control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

A camera’s sensor fundamentally determines your image quality potential. Here’s a critical difference between these two.

Feature Olympus VR-340 Sony A390
Sensor Type CCD CCD
Sensor Size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor Area 28.07 mm² 368.95 mm²
Sensor Resolution 16 MP (4608 x 3456) 14 MP (4592 x 3056)
Aspect Ratios 4:3, 16:9 3:2, 16:9
Max Native ISO 3200 3200
RAW Support No Yes
Color Depth and DR Not tested 22.5 bits / 11.5 EV (DXO Mark)

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 sensor size comparison

The Sony A390’s APS-C sensor delivers a vastly larger imaging area than the Olympus’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor. In practical terms, this translates to:

  • Better image quality with less noise.
  • Greater dynamic range, preserving highlights and shadows.
  • Superior depth of field control for creative background blur.
  • Ability to shoot RAW files for advanced post-processing.

The Olympus’s smaller sensor suits snapshots and casual use but struggles in low light and dynamic scenes. So if image quality is your priority - whether portraits, landscapes, or fine detail - the Sony will consistently outperform the VR-340.

Lens Systems and Zoom Ranges: Fixed Convenience vs. Interchangeable Versatility

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Fixed 24-240mm (35mm equivalent) 10x zoom lens.
    • Max aperture f/3.0-5.7.
    • Optical image stabilization with sensor-shift mechanism.
    • Macro focus capabilities not specified.
    • No lens changes or upgrades possible.
  • Sony A390

    • Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supporting vast ecosystem (~143 lenses).
    • Lens focal length depends on chosen lens; sensor crop factor 1.5x.
    • Compatible with numerous primes, zooms, macros.
    • Sensor-based image stabilization supported by some lenses.
    • Manual focus support.

Fixed-lens convenience is great for grab-and-go shooting. The Olympus lens’s broad 24–240mm range covers most everyday scenarios including wide-angle landscapes and telephoto shots for casual wildlife or sports.

However, if you want to specialize - say macro photography, portraiture with specific focal lengths, or professional wildlife telephoto - the Sony opens doors with an extensive lens lineup tailored for diverse needs. That flexibility can profoundly impact your creative possibilities.

Autofocus Performance and Shooting Speed: Tracking Action and Precision Focus

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Contrast-detection AF only.
    • Face detection available.
    • Single AF mode only; no continuous AF.
    • Limited or no burst shooting info.
    • No phase detection.
  • Sony A390

    • Hybrid AF system: phase-detection plus contrast detection.
    • 9 AF points.
    • Continuous autofocus available.
    • 3 fps continuous shooting.
    • Face detection live view enabled.

For action photography - sports, wildlife, or kids - the Sony’s autofocus is far superior. Phase detection enables fast and accurate tracking, and continuous AF combined with 3 frames per second burst shooting can catch fleeting moments.

The Olympus’s AF system struggles with moving subjects and lacks advanced tracking, more suited to still compositions or static scenes.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capabilities

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Sensor-shift image stabilization.
    • Max ISO 3200.
    • Limited manual exposure controls.
  • Sony A390

    • Sensor-based stabilization at camera and lens level (depending on lens).
    • Max ISO 3200.
    • Manual ISO, shutter, aperture control.

Both cameras feature stabilization, which improves handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. However, Sony’s larger sensor and broader manual control help significantly in low light, offering more flexibility to shoot clean images in challenging conditions.

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

LCD and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Composition

  • Olympus VR-340: Fixed 3.0-inch LCD with a decent 460-pixel resolution. No viewfinder.

  • Sony A390: 2.7-inch tilting LCD, lower resolution at 230 pixels but includes an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.49x magnification.

The Olympus’s larger rear screen helps for composing in live view mode, but in bright outdoor conditions, the absence of a viewfinder can make framing tricky.

The Sony’s optical viewfinder is invaluable, particularly for traditional photographers and when shooting fast action or in bright sunlight. Tilting LCD adds compositional flexibility.

Video Capabilities

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Full HD video (1280x720) at 30 fps max.
    • Motion JPEG format.
    • No external mic or headphone jack.
    • Basic video features, no 4K or advanced stabilization.
  • Sony A390

    • No video recording capabilities.

If video is important, the Olympus provides basic HD video suitable for casual clips. The Sony A390 lacks video functionality entirely, as expected for DSLRs from its era and class.

Battery Life and Storage

  • Olympus VR-340

    • Uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LI-50B).
    • No official CIPA battery life rating found.
    • Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
  • Sony A390

    • NP-FH50 rechargeable battery pack.
    • CIPA rating approx. 230 shots per charge.
    • Supports SD, SDHC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo.

The DSLR tends to consume more power due to larger sensor and optical viewfinder but offers user-replaceable batteries with decent lifespan. Compact cameras like Olympus generally excel in economy but precise battery endurance can vary.

Specialty Photography: Who’s Best for What?

Let's examine how these cameras perform across key photography genres:

Photography Type Olympus VR-340 Sony A390
Portrait Moderate; face detection works; limited depth of field control Strong; APS-C sensor gives better bokeh; manual controls aid creativity
Landscape Limited DR & resolution due to small sensor Excellent resolution and DR; manual focus helps
Wildlife Zoom covers range but slow AF Better AF tracking; lens choices enable telephoto use
Sports Limited burst and AF speed Faster AF and continuous shooting suitable
Street Compact & discrete; quick point-and-shoot Less discreet but manual control and viewfinder helpful
Macro Limited; no dedicated macro mode Excellent with appropriate lens and manual focus control
Night/Astro Struggles due to small sensor and limited exposure control Better low light, longer exposures possible
Video Basic 720p video No video functionality
Travel Ultra-lightweight, versatile zoom More bulk but flexible and capable
Professional Not suitable Entry-level DSLR for creative workflow

Above, sample images from both cameras demonstrate Sony’s clearly superior dynamic range and detail retention. Olympus images serve casual sharing well but lack professional polish.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or robust build quality. The Sony’s DSLR construction feels sturdier and more durable, built to last through extensive shooting. The Olympus’s compact plastic exterior, while light, feels less rugged and more vulnerable to damage.

Connectivity and Extras

  • Olympus VR-340: Eye-Fi card compatible for wireless image transfer; HDMI port; USB 2.0.

  • Sony A390: HDMI and USB 2.0 ports; no wireless features.

Olympus’s Eye-Fi compatibility is a bonus for users who want seamless wireless upload, though it’s limited compared to today’s WiFi-enabled cameras.

Overall performance ratings favor the Sony A390 broadly due to better sensor, lens ecosystem, and manual controls. The Olympus VR-340 scores well on portability and simplicity but is limited in all other aspects.

A detailed breakdown across photography types highlights the Sony's strengths in demanding scenarios like sports and wildlife, while the Olympus holds its own in travel and casual street photography due to convenience.

Summary and Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Olympus VR-340 and Sony A390 serve distinct niches. Consider which aligns better with your priorities:

Choose Olympus VR-340 if:

  • You want a pocketable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot with decent zoom.
  • Portability and convenience outrank image quality.
  • You’re new to photography and want a no-fuss camera.
  • Video capability is a bonus on a budget.
  • Your photography is mostly casual: holidays, family, street snapshots.
  • You prefer a camera you can carry everywhere without feeling burdened.

Choose Sony A390 if:

  • Image quality and creative control matter - APS-C sensor and lens flexibility excel here.
  • You want to learn manual exposure and advance photography skills.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports and need faster autofocus.
  • You plan to invest in different lenses for specialized photography.
  • Video is not important to you.
  • You’re ready to handle a larger, heavier camera for better performance.

Final Thoughts: Invest Intelligently in Your Photography Journey

As seasoned camera testers, we emphasize how crucial matching equipment with your photographic goals is. The Olympus VR-340 is a delightful travel companion - light, responsive, and straightforward. The Sony A390 stands as a versatile entry into DSLR territory offering room to grow.

Whichever you lean toward, spend time holding each camera, exploring their interface, and testing focus and image quality before deciding. Camera technology is a powerful tool - invest in the one that inspires you to create.

Check out these cameras in-store or through online retailers with good return policies. Pair your purchase with essential accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and protective cases to get started on your photographic adventure today!

Olympus VR-340 vs Sony A390 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus VR-340 and Sony A390
 Olympus VR-340Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
General Information
Brand Olympus Sony
Model type Olympus VR-340 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
Category Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level DSLR
Launched 2012-01-10 2010-07-28
Physical type Compact Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Powered by - Bionz
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3456 4592 x 3056
Maximum native ISO 3200 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Sony/Minolta Alpha
Lens zoom range 24-240mm (10.0x) -
Highest aperture f/3.0-5.7 -
Number of lenses - 143
Crop factor 5.8 1.5
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Tilting
Display diagonal 3" 2.7"
Display resolution 460 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display technology TFT Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage - 95%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.49x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000s 1/4000s
Continuous shooting rate - 3.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation - Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 4.80 m 10.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize - 1/160s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30,15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 180 (30,15 fps) -
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 None
Video format Motion JPEG -
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 125 grams (0.28 pounds) 549 grams (1.21 pounds)
Physical dimensions 96 x 57 x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 66
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 22.5
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 11.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 607
Other
Battery life - 230 photos
Form of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID LI-50B NP-FH50
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Card slots 1 1
Cost at launch $130 $500