Kodak Z981 vs Pentax VS20

Below, we are looking at the Kodak Z981 vs Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Kodak and Pentax. The resolution of the Z981 (14MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is very similar and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The Z981 was introduced 18 months prior to the VS20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Kodak Z981 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the Z981 scores against the VS20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Kodak EasyShare Z981 and Pentax Optio VS20. The whole galleries are provided at Kodak Z981 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Kodak Z981 enjoys exterior dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has sizing of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Contrast the Kodak Z981 vs Pentax VS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the Z981 versus the VS20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Z981 and VS20 is 66 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The visual below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the Z981 and VS20.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Pentax VS20 to offer you extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older Z981 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.