Pentax K-5 vs Pentax VS20

Let's look closer at the Pentax K-5 and Pentax VS20, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Pentax. The image resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the K-5 (APS-C) and VS20 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 was unveiled 13 months prior to the VS20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the K-5 scores versus the VS20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Pentax K-5 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-5 comes with physical measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-5 and Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the K-5 compared to the VS20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-5 and VS20 is 60 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-5 and VS20.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The K-5 has the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older K-5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.