Olympus VR-340 vs Zeiss ZX1

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus VR-340 versus Zeiss ZX1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the VR-340 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the VR-340 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VR-340 was introduced 7 years earlier than the ZX1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the VR-340 grades against the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-340 & Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus VR-340 comes with external dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-340 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the VR-340 and the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and ZX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out technical specs. The image underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-340 and ZX1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VR-340 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will show greater detail using its extra 21MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged VR-340 will be behind in sensor tech.