Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax VS20

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS15 was introduced 6 months after the VS20 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ZS15 grades versus the VS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Pentax Optio VS20. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 has got outer measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax VS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the ZS15 against the VS20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and VS20 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Often, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The image underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS15 and VS20.

All in all, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should expect to see the Pentax VS20 to provide more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively.