Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K20D

The following is a complete comparison of the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K20D, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FX580 (12MP) and the K20D (15MP) is very comparable but the FX580 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FX580 was unveiled 8 months after the K20D which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FX580 matches up versus the K20D in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax K20D. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX580 has physical dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K20D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the FX580 and the K20D.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FX580 and K20D is 95 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specifications. The image below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX580 and K20D.

To sum up, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FX580 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K20D will provide greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The younger FX580 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.