Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax VS20

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS200 and Pentax VS20, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the ZS200 (1") and VS20 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was launched 6 years after the VS20 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the ZS200 grades against the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS200 comes with outer dimensions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") with a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS200 and Pentax VS20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS200 vs the VS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS200 and VS20 is 86 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading specs. The image here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS200 and VS20.

All in all, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS200 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger ZS200 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.