Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K20D

Below is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K20D (15MP) is pretty well matched but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ40 was introduced 2 years later than the K20D and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the FZ40 grades against the K20D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Pentax K20D. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ40 provides external dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K20D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ40 vs the K20D.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and K20D is 68 and 59 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and K20D.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K20D will give greater detail using its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The younger FZ40 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.