Panasonic FZ35 vs Pentax K20D

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic FZ35 versus Pentax K20D, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ35 (12MP) and the K20D (15MP) is pretty comparable but the FZ35 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ35 was announced 2 years later than the K20D and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FZ35 matches up vs the K20D in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 & Pentax K20D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ35 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ35 has physical dimensions of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") having a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs) whilst the Pentax K20D has sizing of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ35 versus Pentax K20D in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FZ35 against the K20D.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ35 and K20D is 72 and 59 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by going through a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ35 and K20D.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ35 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K20D will show extra detail with its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern FZ35 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.