Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax K20D

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is very close but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The SH-50 was announced 4 years later than the K20D and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SH-50 scores versus the K20D in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K20D. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-50 comes with exterior measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax K20D has sizing of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K20D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-50 vs the K20D.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-50 and K20D is 88 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-50 and K20D.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-50 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus SH-50 will result in greater detail with its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively. The newer SH-50 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.