Olympus's 2012 entry ultracompact — 12MP CCD, 4x 27-108mm zoom, simple automatic operation, SD storage.
The VG-150 was revealed in January 2012 as an entry-level ultracompact in Olympus's budget VG series, slotting beneath models like the VG-160 and VG-170 in the company's last generation of cheap point-and-shoots before smartphones ended the category. Unlike most VG models it appears without a D- or X-badged regional twin in Olympus documentation.
It combines a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD with a 4x optical zoom equivalent to 27-108mm, usefully wider at the short end than older 38mm-start compacts. Autofocus is contrast-detect with iESP auto, spot, face-detection and tracking options, framing uses a 2.7-inch LCD, an image-stabilisation function is provided, and video tops out at 640x480. A built-in flash covers indoor snaps and power comes from a small proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with storage on SD-family cards.
This is a pocket snapshot camera pure and simple, suiting buyers after a cheap CCD-era compact for casual everyday and holiday use. The 27mm-equivalent wide end is handy for interiors and group shots, while VGA-only video and the absence of manual control mark its budget position.
Used examples are inexpensive, so condition should decide: confirm the proprietary battery still holds charge and a USB cable or charger is included, as loose replacements vary in quality. SD storage poses no problem. Check the lens extends without error messages, the flash fires, and the LCD — the only means of framing — is free of cracks and bright-spot damage.