Canon SX1 IS vs Pentax VS20

Lets take a closer look at the Canon SX1 IS and Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and VS20 (16MP) but they feature the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was released 3 years prior to the VS20 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SX1 IS matches up vs the VS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX1 IS has got physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") with a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has proportions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX1 IS and Pentax VS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SX1 IS and the VS20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SX1 IS and VS20 is 64 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX1 IS and VS20.

As you can see, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Pentax VS20 to resolve more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older SX1 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.