Panasonic S2 vs Pentax K20D

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic S2 and Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the S2 (14MP) and the K20D (15MP) is fairly similar but the S2 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The S2 was released 3 years later than the K20D and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the S2 grades vs the K20D for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic S2 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S2 has got external dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic S2 and Pentax K20D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the S2 against the K20D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S2 and K20D is 96 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S2 and K20D.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S2 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K20D will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent S2 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.