Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K20D

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively similar but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was unveiled 4 years later than the K20D and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SZ3 scores against the K20D for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K20D. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ3 has got outside dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 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).

Check out the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K20D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ3 against the K20D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and K20D is 96 and 59 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and K20D.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ3 with its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Panasonic SZ3 will offer you more detail having an extra 1MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SZ3 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.