Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax X70

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax X70, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the X70 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The ZS20 was released 3 years later than the X70 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS20 scores versus the X70 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax X70. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax X70 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS20 features physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax X70 has dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax X70 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS20 versus the X70.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and X70 is 92 and 71 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and X70.

As you can see, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic ZS20 to give more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger ZS20 will have a benefit in sensor tech.