Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax VS20

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax VS20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The GF5 was revealed 3 months later than the VS20 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the GF5 matches up vs the VS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 provides outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the GF5 compared to the VS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and VS20 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and VS20.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GF5 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Pentax VS20 will produce greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.