Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K20D

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ10 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ10 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The SZ10 was brought out 6 years later than the K20D and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the SZ10 matches up against the K20D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 and Pentax K20D. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ10 has physical measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K20D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SZ10 versus the K20D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ10 and K20D is 93 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ10 and K20D.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ10 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic SZ10 will resolve extra detail having its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher SZ10 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.