FujiFilm HS20 EXR vs Pentax K-70: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two distinct models like the FujiFilm HS20 EXR and the Pentax K-70. Each represents a unique approach to photography gear: the HS20 EXR as a versatile bridge camera with a superzoom lens, and the K-70 as a solid entry-level DSLR with interchangeable lens flexibility. Over years of hands-on testing and comparing hundreds of cameras, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive, side-by-side evaluation that demystifies how these two perform across varied photographic disciplines and use cases.

Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or seeking a reliable tool for more advanced work, this guide will break down technical nuances and real-world outcomes to help you find the perfect fit.

Meet the Contenders: Overview and Physical Hands-On

Before diving into the details, let's get a quick sense of these cameras. The FujiFilm HS20 EXR, launched in early 2011, was designed as an all-in-one bridge camera with an ambitious 30x zoom lens covering a broad focal length range from 24mm to 720mm equivalence. On the other hand, the more recent Pentax K-70, announced mid-2016, is an APS-C DSLR built around a robust 24MP sensor, manual lens compatibility, and environmental sealing - features prized by more demanding photographers.

Size, Grip, and Ergonomics

Handling comfort can make or break your shooting experience. The HS20 leans into its bridge camera heritage with an SLR-like body that’s bulkier, weighing 730g with its fixed lens. By contrast, the K-70, while also an SLR style, is more compact and lighter at 688g, lacking the integrated lens bulk but requiring additional lenses.

Take a look at this size comparison to see what we mean:

• HS20 EXR: Chunky but balanced grip; large lens barrel requires two hands for telephoto shots.
• K-70: Slimmer body with textured grip; freedom to customize lens weight and balance.

The K-70’s fully articulated rear screen adds to its versatility in varied shooting angles, while the HS20 offers a tilting TFT LCD that’s helpful but less flexible.

Ergonomics takeaway: If portability and lens interchangeability are priorities, the K-70 is the clear winner. For an all-in-one zoom experience without swapping lenses, the HS20 remains a convenient, if heftier, choice.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Outcome

Image quality begins with sensor technology and processing. The FujiFilm HS20 features a small 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, while the Pentax K-70 boasts a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor offering 24 megapixels. That size difference fundamentally impacts noise performance, dynamic range, and detail resolution.

• HS20 EXR: 6.4 x 4.8 mm sensor area, max ISO 3200 native (boosted to 12800), with an EXR processor optimized for dynamic range in certain modes.
• K-70: 23.5 x 15.6 mm sensor area, no anti-alias filter to maximize sharpness, native ISO 100-102400, PRIME MII processor enhancing image data throughput.

What does this mean in practice?

Real-World Image Quality

We ran controlled lab tests and outdoor shoots to assess sharpness, noise, and color accuracy.

• Resolution & Detail: The K-70’s APS-C sensor delivers noticeably sharper images with more fine detail, especially when using quality prime or zoom lenses. The lack of an AA filter means crisper edges but requires careful handling to avoid moiré in repetitive patterns.
• Noise & High ISO: The HS20 struggles past ISO 800 with visible noise and softness, while the K-70 remains usable up to ISO 3200 and beyond, making it better suited for low-light scenarios.
• Dynamic Range: The K-70 offers wider tonal gradation, preserving highlights and shadows more effectively. The HS20’s EXR modes attempt to extend DR but can introduce artifacts.
• Color Reproduction & Skin Tones: FujiFilm’s EXR color science is known for pleasing skin tones straight from the camera, with warm but natural hues. The Pentax tends to be neutral, favoring post-processing flexibility.

Here's a gallery comparing images from both to let you judge:

FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back Pentax K 70 front Pentax K 70 screen back

Image quality verdict: For maximum image fidelity and editing latitude, the K-70 clearly outperforms the HS20, especially in challenging light and detail-critical applications.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Capturing That Perfect Moment

No camera review is complete without evaluating autofocus (AF) performance and burst shooting capabilities - crucial for wildlife, sports, and action photography.

The HS20 relies solely on contrast-based AF, which tends to be slower and less reliable in low light or for fast moving subjects. In comparison, the K-70 uses a hybrid AF system, employing phase detection sensors in the pentaprism optical path, which ensures snappier focus acquisition and better tracking of subjects.

How Does That Translate Outdoors?

In our field tests tracking birds and athletes:

• The HS20’s AF hunts noticeably in dim or fast-changing scenes and sometimes fails to lock quickly on small or erratic subjects.
• The K-70 confidently locks and tracks moving targets even in challenging lighting, thanks to cross-type points and refined algorithms.

For sports and wildlife photography, the K-70’s autofocus system is a standout. While the HS20 scores a fast continuous shooting rate at 8 fps, the real-world AF limitations slow down its performance.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability: Ready for the Elements?

Weather resistance and durability are often overlooked but essential for photographers shooting outdoors.

• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: No environmental sealing; plastic body parts mean it is less rugged overall.
• Pentax K-70: Magnesium alloy chassis with extensive weather sealing. Survives light rain and dusty environments better.

This image shows control layout differences:

• The K-70 offers a sophisticated control array with customizable buttons and a top-mode dial suited for quick adjustments on the fly.
• The HS20 presents simpler control clusters with less customization potential.

If you plan to venture outdoors in unpredictable conditions or require a camera that holds up to professional field use, the Pentax K-70 brings superior build quality and confidence.

Lenses & Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Glass

Your creative potential often hinges on lens choices.

• HS20 EXR: Fixed 24-720mm equivalent zoom (f/2.8-5.6). While impressively versatile for one-lens travel convenience, image quality declines at full zoom telephoto lengths due to optical compromises typical in superzoom lenses.
• K-70: Compatible with all Pentax K-mount lenses (over 151 lenses available), including primes, zooms, lenses with macro and tilt-shift features.

The flexibility you gain with the K-70 is immense:

• Portraits and macros benefit from specialized lenses.
• Landscapes can be captured sharply with wide-angle glass.
• Telephoto reach can be customized per budget and weight tolerance.
• Third-party lens manufacturers broaden choices further.

In contrast, the HS20’s lens is convenient for casual shooting and travel without swapping lenses but sacrifices some optical performance and control.

Specialized Photography Coverage: How Do They Stack Up?

Understanding the cameras’ practical usage across photography genres is critical. Here’s a breakdown:

This performance analysis is summarized visually here, illustrating the Pentax K-70’s edge in most categories except burst speed where the HS20 competes well.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage: How Practical Are They Day-to-Day?

Shooting convenience often relates to power and data management:

While AA batteries offer convenience worldwide, the lack of official rated battery life for the HS20 makes plan-ahead usage difficult. The K-70’s rechargeable pack and built-in WiFi provide more modern conveniences for content transfer and remote shooting.

Value Considerations: Price-to-Performance

Pricing is often the starting block for many buyers:

The HS20’s value lies in being a budget superzoom option for casual and travel shooters who want no lens switching. The K-70, while slightly more expensive, offers significantly better image quality, features, and long-term flexibility - especially if you’re invested in the Pentax lens ecosystem.

Wrapping Up with Overall Performance Scores

Based on exhaustive testing across image quality, speed, handling, and feature set, here’s a snapshot overall and by discipline:

Key Strengths and Weaknesses Recap

FujiFilm HS20 EXR

• Strengths: Impressive all-in-one zoom, sensor-shift stabilization, tilting screen, good for travel and casual zoom photography.
• Weaknesses: Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance, slower autofocus, no weather sealing, aging design.

Pentax K-70

• Strengths: Large APS-C sensor with superior image quality and ISO range, fully articulated screen, weather sealing, versatile lens mount, robust AF system.
• Weaknesses: Requires investment in lenses, heavier (body-only) than some mirrorless options, no touchscreen.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the FujiFilm HS20 EXR IF:

• You want a simple, ready-to-shoot superzoom camera without the hassle of changing lenses.
• Your photography is casual, travel-oriented, or focused on subjects requiring long focal lengths occasionally.
• Battery type flexibility (AA) and integrated zoom convenience trump ultimate image quality.
• You’re on a stricter budget looking for a bridge camera with a respectable feature set.

Choose the Pentax K-70 IF:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and professional work.
• You desire the versatility of interchangeable lenses and plan to grow your system.
• Weather-sealed durability matters for outdoors and adventure photography.
• Video capability with external mic input is important.
• Wireless connectivity and a modern interface help streamline your workflow.

Making the Most of Your Camera Choice

Once you pick your camera, fully explore the lens options (for K-70 users), spare batteries, and accessories like neck straps or external flashes. For the HS20, invest in solid SD cards and perhaps a tripod to complement telephoto work.

Both cameras have aged somewhat - the HS20 being over a decade old - but still provide unique value according to your shooting style and expectations. If possible, visit a local camera store to feel each model’s grip and try their menus.

Photography is a journey as much as a destination. The right tool empowers your creativity. Whether it’s the adaptable Pentax K-70 or the travel-friendly FujiFilm HS20 EXR, the perfect camera is one that feels like an extension of your vision.

Happy shooting!