Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20
92 Imaging
39 Features
53 Overall
44


90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-100mm (F1.8-4.9) lens
- 194g - 103 x 58 x 32mm
- Launched June 2012
- Old Model is Nikon P300
- New Model is Nikon P330
(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

Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Overview
On this page, we will be matching up the Nikon P310 versus Pentax VS20, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the P310 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

The P310 was revealed 5 months after the VS20 and they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the P310 grades against the VS20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P310 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Nikon P310 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon P310 over the Pentax VS20
P310 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Nikon P310
VS20 | P310 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon P310 and Pentax VS20
P310 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | June 2012 | ![]() | January 2012 | Same age |
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon P310 features outer dimensions of 103mm x 58mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).
See the Nikon P310 versus Pentax VS20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the P310 versus the VS20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the P310 and VS20 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out technical specs. The picture here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the P310 and VS20.
As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact megapixels and you can expect comparable quality of images although you would want to factor the age of the cameras into account.

Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon P310 vs Pentax VS20 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix P310 | Pentax Optio VS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon Coolpix P310 | Pentax Optio VS20 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2012-06-22 | 2012-01-25 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 99 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-100mm (4.2x) | 28-560mm (20.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/1.8-4.9 | f/3.1-4.8 |
Macro focus range | 2cm | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 921k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display tech | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 4 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/2500 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 6.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 2.80 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
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 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (120, 30fps) | 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 | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 194g (0.43 lbs) | 235g (0.52 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 103 x 58 x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | 230 pictures | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | D-LI122 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $700 | $106 |