Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20
72 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 3200
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 23-675mm (F3.0-5.8) lens
- 470g - 111 x 76 x 85mm
- Announced January 2013
- Replaced the Nikon L810
- Replacement is Nikon L830
(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
- Revealed January 2012

Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Overview
On this page, we will be reviewing the Nikon L820 and Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the L820 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras have the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The L820 was brought out 13 months later than the VS20 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.
Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the L820 matches up vs the VS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L820 & Pentax Optio VS20. The entire galleries are available at Nikon L820 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L820 over the Pentax VS20
L820 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2013 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 13 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Nikon L820
VS20 | L820 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focusing |
Common features in the Nikon L820 and Pentax VS20
L820 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison
In case you're going to carry your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon L820 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") along with a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon L820 and Pentax VS20 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the L820 vs the VS20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the L820 and VS20 is 72 and 90 respectively.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison
Usually, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L820 and VS20.
As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact megapixels and you can expect comparable quality of photos however you really should consider the launch date of the cameras into account. The fresher L820 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L820 vs Pentax VS20 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L820 | Pentax Optio VS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L820 | Pentax Optio VS20 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2013-01-29 | 2012-01-25 |
Physical type | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 3 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 23-675mm (29.3x) | 28-560mm (20.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.0-5.8 | f/3.1-4.8 |
Macro focusing distance | - | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 921 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display tech | - | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 4 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/2500 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 8.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 2.80 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | - | Motion JPEG |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 470 gr (1.04 lbs) | 235 gr (0.52 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 76 x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 320 images | - |
Battery style | AA | - |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | D-LI122 |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $192 | $106 |