Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax VS20

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax VS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS30 was revealed 12 months later than the VS20 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS30 scores against the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 comes with outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS30 compared to the VS20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and VS20 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through specs. The photograph here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS30 and VS20.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic ZS30 to give you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ZS30 should have an edge in sensor technology.