Olympus 9000 vs Pentax VS20

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus 9000 and Pentax VS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the 9000 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The 9000 was unveiled 3 years prior to the VS20 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the 9000 scores against the VS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 9000 and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are provided at Olympus 9000 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus 9000 has outer dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has sizing of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 9000 and Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the 9000 compared to the VS20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 9000 and VS20 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The photograph here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 9000 and VS20.

To sum up, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax VS20 to give you more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older 9000 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.