Canon S95 vs Pentax VS20

Here is a thorough analysis of the Canon S95 versus Pentax VS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the S95 (10MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the S95 (1/1.7") and VS20 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The S95 was revealed 14 months prior to the VS20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the S95 matches up vs the VS20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S95 and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Canon S95 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon S95 enjoys exterior measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Canon S95 versus Pentax VS20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the S95 versus the VS20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S95 and VS20 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The photograph here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S95 and VS20.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S95 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax VS20 will offer greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older S95 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.