Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax K20D

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SH-3 and Pentax K20D, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is pretty comparable but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The SH-3 was brought out 7 years after the K20D which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SH-3 scores versus the K20D in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Pentax K20D. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-3 has physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-3 and Pentax K20D in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SH-3 compared to the K20D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and K20D is 88 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specifications. The pic underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and K20D.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SH-3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SH-3 will produce extra detail having its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer SH-3 provides an edge in sensor tech.