Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20
69 Imaging
64 Features
70 Overall
66
![Pentax K-S1 front Pentax K-S1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-S1/Pentax-K-S1-front.jpg)
![Pentax Optio VS20 front Pentax Optio VS20 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-Optio-VS20/Pentax-VS20-front.jpg)
90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 558g - 121 x 93 x 70mm
- Introduced August 2014
- Renewed by Pentax K-S2
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F3.1-4.8) lens
- 235g - 111 x 61 x 38mm
- Announced January 2012
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Overview
Here, we are looking at the Pentax K-S1 versus Pentax VS20, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the K-S1 (20MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the K-S1 (APS-C) and VS20 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
The K-S1 was announced 2 years later than the VS20 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.
Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the K-S1 scores against the VS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-S1 and Pentax Optio VS20. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-S1 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-S1 over the Pentax VS20
K-S1 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2014 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 32 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Pentax K-S1
VS20 | K-S1 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-S1 and Pentax VS20
K-S1 | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-S1 offers physical dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs) while 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).
Compare the Pentax K-S1 versus Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the K-S1 compared to the VS20.
![Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 size comparison Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-S1-vs-Pentax-Optio-VS20-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the K-S1 and VS20 is 69 and 90 respectively.
![Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 top view buttons comparison Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-S1-vs-Pentax-Optio-VS20-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison
Usually, its tough to see the difference in sensor sizing just by checking out specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the K-S1 and VS20.
All in all, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-S1 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Pentax K-S1 will produce more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The more modern K-S1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.
![Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 sensor size comparison Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-K-S1-vs-Pentax-Optio-VS20-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-S1-vs-Pentax-Optio-VS20-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax VS20 Specifications
Pentax K-S1 | Pentax Optio VS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Pentax | Pentax |
Model type | Pentax K-S1 | Pentax Optio VS20 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2014-08-27 | 2012-01-25 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime MII | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | - | 28-560mm (20.0x) |
Highest aperture | - | f/3.1-4.8 |
Macro focusing distance | - | 3cm |
Number of lenses | 151 | - |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 921k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display technology | - | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 4s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/2500s |
Continuous shooting speed | 5.4fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) | 2.80 m |
Flash modes | Auto, auto + redeye, on, on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 558 gr (1.23 pounds) | 235 gr (0.52 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 121 x 93 x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 78 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.5 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 1061 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 410 pictures | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | D-LI109 | D-LI122 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail pricing | $339 | $106 |