Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K20D

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K20D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the K20D (15MP) is fairly well matched but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The ZS30 was launched 4 years later than the K20D and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZS30 matches up versus the K20D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 enjoys outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K20D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS30 vs the K20D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and K20D is 92 and 59 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The visual here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS30 and K20D.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS30 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS30 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more recent ZS30 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.