Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax W90

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax W90, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the LZ20 (16MP) and W90 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The LZ20 was announced 2 years after the W90 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the LZ20 matches up against the W90 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and Pentax Optio W90. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LZ20 Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic LZ20 has physical measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax W90 has specifications of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax W90 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the LZ20 vs the W90.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the LZ20 and W90 is 71 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The pic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ20 and W90.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic LZ20 to give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The fresher LZ20 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.