Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax P80

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax P80, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the P80 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS20 was introduced 2 years later than the P80 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS20 grades versus the P80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS20 has got external dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has proportions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax P80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS20 vs the P80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and P80 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS20 and P80.

Clearly, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic ZS20 to resolve greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger ZS20 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.