Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D
56 Imaging
57 Features
70 Overall
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59 Imaging
53 Features
52 Overall
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Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Boost to 12800)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF/EF-S Mount
- 860g - 148 x 111 x 74mm
- Launched November 2009
- Refreshed by Canon 7D MII
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 142 x 101 x 70mm
- Released June 2008
- Superseded the Pentax K10D

Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Overview
Lets examine more in depth at the Canon 7D versus Pentax K20D, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Canon and Pentax. The image resolution of the 7D (18MP) and the K20D (15MP) is pretty close and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

The 7D was released 17 months later than the K20D which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the 7D grades against the K20D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS 7D and Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are provided at Canon 7D Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon 7D over the Pentax K20D
7D | K20D | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | November 2009 | ![]() | June 2008 | More recent by 17 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+690k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K20D over the Canon 7D
K20D | 7D |
---|
Common features in the Canon 7D and Pentax K20D
7D | K20D | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | No Touch friendly screen |
Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Canon 7D comes with exterior measurements of 148mm x 111mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") along with a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) and the Pentax K20D has specifications of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
Analyze the Canon 7D versus Pentax K20D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the 7D versus the K20D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 7D and K20D is 56 and 59 respectively.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph here may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 7D and K20D.
Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Canon 7D to result in more detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern 7D is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon 7D vs Pentax K20D Specifications
Canon EOS 7D | Pentax K20D | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Pentax |
Model type | Canon EOS 7D | Pentax K20D |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2009-11-06 | 2008-06-25 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Dual Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 332.3mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18 megapixels | 15 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5184 x 3456 | 4672 x 3104 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 19 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Canon EF/EF-S | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 326 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 920k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | TFT color LCD, liquid-crystal monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 8.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain, wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/250s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video format | H.264 | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 860 grams (1.90 lb) | 800 grams (1.76 lb) |
Dimensions | 148 x 111 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") | 142 x 101 x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 66 | 65 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.0 | 22.9 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.7 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 854 | 639 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 800 photos | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | LP-E6 | D-LI50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive cards | SD/MMC/SDHC card |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $1,050 | $700 |