Pentax K-500 vs Pentax VS20

In this article, we will be contrasting the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax VS20, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Pentax. The resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the K-500 (APS-C) and VS20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The K-500 was released 23 months later than the VS20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the K-500 scores against the VS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-500 & Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax K-500 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-500 has got external dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has proportions 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 Pentax K-500 versus Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the K-500 compared to the VS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the K-500 and VS20 is 64 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-500 and VS20.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The K-500 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The more recent K-500 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.