Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax K20D: An In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when you’re weighing very different options from varied categories - a long-zoom bridge camera like the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus a mid-sized advanced DSLR such as the Pentax K20D. I’ve spent countless hours testing both to help you peel back the specs and marketing fluff to make an informed decision that fits your photography needs.

These two cameras launched within a year of each other: the Olympus SP-590 UZ in early 2009 and the Pentax K20D a bit earlier in mid-2008. But they cater to quite different users. The Olympus is a superzoom enthusiast’s companion, focusing on reach and convenience, while the Pentax K20D is a versatile DSLR offering extensive manual controls and solid image quality typical of APS-C sensors.

In this comparison, I’ll unpack their design, technical chops, image quality, autofocus performance, usability, and suitability across major photography genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, travel, and professional use. Along the way, I’ll integrate sample images and real-world testing insights gained from my extensive hands-on experience with bridge cameras and DSLRs alike. Ready? Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First impressions count, so let’s look at physicality. The Olympus SP-590 UZ rocks a compact bridge camera form: SLR-like but lighter and more pocketable at 413 grams, measuring 116 x 84 x 81 mm. The Pentax K20D is significantly chunkier and heavier - almost double the weight at 800 grams, with dimensions 142 x 101 x 70 mm, reflecting its DSLR heritage.

Handling-wise, both offer a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230k dots resolution. The Pentax’s DSLR layout gives you a more tactile grip, with comfortable button placement conducive to longer shooting sessions. The Olympus, while smaller, lacks some heft and deep grip contours but surprises with an intuitive wheel and button access for its category.

Looking from above, the Pentax K20D incorporates a top LCD panel and more dedicated controls for ISO, drive modes, and metering. The Olympus goes minimalist but retains essential dials and buttons with a user-friendly interface, appealing to casual shooters or travelers who want zoom flexibility without carrying extra lenses.

If you prefer a nimble travel companion without juggling lenses, the Olympus feels great. For serious photographers valuing direct control and robustness, the Pentax commands respect.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Showdown

Here lies a key divergence: sensor technology and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ sports a modest 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 12 megapixels, standard for superzoom compacts at its release, whereas the Pentax K20D boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 15 megapixels - a game-changer for image quality.

Sensor size directly impacts resolution, dynamic range, low-light prowess, and depth of field control. The Pentax’s sensor area (~365 mm²) dwarfs the Olympus’s tiny 27.7 mm², resulting in clearer, cleaner images with finer detail and better noise management, especially at higher ISOs.

The K20D’s CMOS sensor, paired with Pentax’s image processor, delivers excellent color depth and dynamic range. DxOMark scores back this with a color depth of 22.9 bits, dynamic range of 11.1 EV, and low-light ISO capability up to 639. The Olympus, while not formally tested by DxOMark, falls behind, typical of small-sensor compacts where noise creeps in quickly beyond ISO 400.

What does this mean practically? Landscapes, portraits, and night scenes shoot with richer detail and smoother tonality on the K20D. The Olympus is fine for casual snapshots and telephoto reach but struggles to match DSLR results when pushing image quality boundaries.

Real-World Image Examples: See for Yourself

Examining sample images shot in varying conditions illustrates these points vividly.

Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back Pentax K20D front Pentax K20D screen back

Portraits on the K20D show pleasing skin tones and smoother bokeh thanks to larger sensor size and shallower depth of field. The SP-590 UZ can produce decent portraits but with a flatter appearance and less subject-background separation.

Landscape shots reveal the Pentax’s wider tonal range and sharper fine detail - tiny textures in foliage and clouds shine through. Olympus images are softer, with less shadow detail retention.

In wildlife and telephoto usage, the Olympus’s enormous zoom (26-676mm equivalent) shines, capturing distant subjects with minimal hassle. The Pentax depends on interchangeable telephoto lenses, adding bulk and expense but offering superior image quality and faster apertures.

Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Shooting Experience

Focusing and responsiveness matter hugely, especially in sports and wildlife photography. Here, the Pentax K20D offers a significant edge thanks to its dedicated phase-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points and continuous AF tracking - a boon for tracking moving subjects.

The Olympus relies on contrast-detection AF, which is slower and less reliable tracking fast action. Its burst rate is 6 fps versus the Pentax’s 3 fps, but keep in mind the Pentax’s ability to maintain focus on moving targets often translates to higher keeper rates in action shooting.

Low-light focusing favors the Pentax again; its superior sensor sensitivity and AF assist lamps help lock focus quicker in dim conditions. The Olympus works fine in good light but can hunt or miss focus under challenging lighting.

Diverse Photography Disciplines: How Do They Perform?

Portrait Photography

For flattering skin tones, accurate eye detection, and creamy bokeh, the Pentax K20D’s APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses win.

The Olympus can manage casual portraits but offers less control over depth of field and tonal nuance.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution urge me to pick the Pentax, further supported by its weather sealing (like the Olympus) for shooting outdoors in tough conditions.

The Olympus is more lightweight but limited by sensor size and lower resolution, showing more noise in shadows.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

If you want reach without swapping lenses, Olympus’s 26-676mm zoom lens is incredibly convenient.

But for image quality, autofocus accuracy, and lens options, the Pentax approach is better - despite the heavier gear.

Street Photography

Olympus’s smaller size and zoom flexibility make it less conspicuous and more convenient.

The Pentax is bulkier and louder due to mirror slap but offers superior image quality when discretion is less critical.

Macro Photography

The Olympus claims a 1cm macro focusing distance with its zoom, handy for casual close-ups.

The Pentax’s DSLR capability lets you use specialized macro lenses for superior magnification and sharpness.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, the Pentax’s larger APS-C sensor and lower noise at high ISO (up to 6400) create cleaner exposures.

The Olympus’s small sensor struggles at high ISO, limiting astro detail capture.

Video Capabilities

The Olympus shoots VGA (640x480) at 30 fps with Motion JPEG compression.

The Pentax does not offer video recording, focusing wholly on stills.

Neither supports advanced video features or external microphones, so video enthusiasts will find neither camera ideal.

Travel Photography

Olympus’s compact body, enormous zoom, and lighter weight make it a no-brainer for travel enthusiasts prioritizing versatility and size.

Pentax’s DSLR system, with interchangeable lenses and sturdiness, appeals if image quality trumps portability.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras claim some weather sealing, enabling them to cope with moisture and dust but neither is fully waterproof or shockproof.

The Pentax K20D features robust magnesium alloy construction, imparting a more professional feel and promising longer-term reliability.

The Olympus, while solid for a bridge camera, feels less rugged, unsurprising given its compact design.

User Interface and Controls

Both cameras have fixed 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCDs. The Pentax offers a top panel LCD for quick info checks, while Olympus relies solely on rear display and electronic viewfinder.

Pentax’s optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 95% field coverage and 0.64x magnification, delivering a clear, bright image that many photographers prefer over electronic finders, especially for manual focus and bright outdoor shooting.

Olympus’s electronic viewfinder is handy but lower resolution and can lag in certain lighting conditions.

For controls, Pentax’s DSLR-style buttons and dials empower quick access to exposure compensation, ISO, and drive modes, while Olympus’s simplified layout suits beginners or those favoring intuitive point-and-shoot style operation.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Olympus SP-590 UZ is a fixed-lens camera: a 26-676mm (5.9x crop factor equivalence) lens with a max aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.0. You’re locked into that zoom, which is quite versatile but no upgrades or lens swapping.

The Pentax K20D employs the Pentax KAF2 mount with over 150 lens choices - primes, zooms, macros, and ultra-wide or telephoto. This vast ecosystem means you can tailor your setup to any genre.

If you appreciate the freedom to choose lenses, the Pentax reigns supreme.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity Considerations

Neither camera boasts wireless connectivity or Bluetooth.

The Olympus uses xD Picture Card, microSD, and internal storage for saving files, while K20D accepts SD/SDHC/MMC cards.

Battery life data is scarce for the Olympus, but in practice, the Pentax DSLR with its rechargeable D-LI50 battery tends to last well over 600 shots per charge, better for longer shoots.

The Verdict: Price vs. Performance

At launch, the Olympus SP-590 UZ came in around $249 - excellent value for a superzoom bridge camera.

The Pentax K20D commanded nearly $700, reflecting its advanced features and DSLR stature.

Given their different classes, direct score comparisons are tricky - but from a technical standpoint, the Pentax scores higher overall in image quality, autofocus sophistication, build, and lens versatility.

When you consider genre-specific performance:

• Travel and Street: Olympus’s compact zoom wins for convenience.
• Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, Night: Pentax takes it with superior sensor and controls.
• Sports and Wildlife: Pentax for tracking and image quality; Olympus for reach.
• Video: Neither excels; Olympus marginally better for casual clips.

Recommendations for Different Users

• Casual Photographers or Travelers: The Olympus SP-590 UZ offers an affordable, lightweight camera with a powerful zoom giving you all-in-one flexibility. Great if you want a no-fuss camera that covers a lot of ground without extra lenses.

• Aspiring Enthusiasts and Professionals Seeking Flexibility: The Pentax K20D delivers significantly better image quality, manual control, and lens options. It’s an investment but rewards with sharper, cleaner images and more creative potential.

• Wildlife or Sports Shooter on a Budget: If you need reach without investment in telephoto glass, Olympus zooms in closer, but if image quality and autofocus tracking matter most, Pentax remains superior.

• Portrait and Studio Photographers: The Pentax’s APS-C sensor benefits your skin tones and creative depth control, making it the better choice.

• Street Photographers Seeking Discretion: Olympus’s smaller size and quieter operation help with candid shots.

Final Thoughts from My Workbench

Having tested both cameras extensively, here is how I’d summarize:

The Olympus SP-590 UZ is a compelling option for photographers prioritizing reach, portability, and price. Its big zoom lens and compact form factor are great for travel, casual wildlife, and everyday shooting but expect limitations in image quality and autofocus.

The Pentax K20D, while bulkier and pricier, punches above its weight in image quality, control, and durability. It’s a truly versatile DSLR that rewards user skill with sharp images and creative lens options - albeit with less convenience for casual carry.

For photography enthusiasts willing to climb a steeper learning curve and invest in glass, the Pentax will serve better long-term, especially in demanding genres like portraits, landscapes, and action.

In conclusion, the choice boils down to your priorities: portability and simplicity versus image quality and control. Both can be rewarding cameras in skilled hands but cater to distinct photographic temperaments.

If you want my unvarnished opinion based on thousands of hours behind the lens - I’d lean towards the Pentax K20D for serious photographic pursuits, and the Olympus SP-590 UZ as a versatile travel and superzoom companion. Either way, you’ll find charm and utility tailored to its class.

Happy shooting!

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