Leica C vs Pentax VS20
92 Imaging
37 Features
59 Overall
45


90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400 (Bump to 12800)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-200mm (F2.0-5.9) lens
- 195g - 103 x 63 x 28mm
- Released September 2013
- Also referred to as Typ112
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F3.1-4.8) lens
- 235g - 111 x 61 x 38mm
- Launched January 2012

Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Overview
On this page, we will be reviewing the Leica C and Pentax VS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Leica and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the C (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the C (1/1.7") and VS20 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

The C was introduced 20 months later than the VS20 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the C matches up vs the VS20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica C and Pentax Optio VS20. The whole galleries are available at Leica C Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica C over the Pentax VS20
C | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | September 2013 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 20 months |
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+460k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Leica C
VS20 | C |
---|
Common features in the Leica C and Pentax VS20
C | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lacking Touch friendly screen |
Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Leica C offers external dimensions of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 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).
Check out the Leica C and Pentax VS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the C compared to the VS20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the C and VS20 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the C and VS20.
As you can see, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The C with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will render greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The fresher C will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica C vs Pentax VS20 Specifications
Leica C | Pentax Optio VS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Leica | Pentax |
Model | Leica C | Pentax Optio VS20 |
Also called as | Typ112 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2013-09-08 | 2012-01-25 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 41.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 12800 | - |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 3 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-200mm (7.1x) | 28-560mm (20.0x) |
Max aperture | f/2.0-5.9 | f/3.1-4.8 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 4.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 920k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | TFT Color LCD | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 200k dot | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 1 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.46x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 seconds | 4 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/2500 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 10.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 7.00 m | 2.80 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 195 grams (0.43 pounds) | 235 grams (0.52 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 103 x 63 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 shots | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | - | D-LI122 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Price at launch | $1,299 | $106 |