Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax VS20

Below is a thorough overview of the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax VS20, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the ZS100 (1") and VS20 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was released 4 years later than the VS20 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the ZS100 scores versus the VS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS100 provides external measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax VS20 has sizing of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax VS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the ZS100 and the VS20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and VS20 is 87 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing specs. The photograph below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and VS20.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The younger ZS100 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.