Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax VS20

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax VS20, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FP1 was revealed 24 months before the VS20 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FP1 grades vs the VS20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP1 features external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax VS20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the FP1 versus the VS20.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and VS20 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and VS20.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax VS20 to offer you extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged FP1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.