Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax VS20

Here is a extended review of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was released 4 years prior to the VS20 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the VS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features physical measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Pentax VS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SP-590 UZ versus the VS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and VS20 is 72 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The photograph below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and VS20.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Pentax VS20 to give more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind in sensor innovation.