Clicky

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20

Portability
64
Imaging
64
Features
82
Overall
71
Pentax K-S2 front
 
Pentax Optio VS20 front
Portability
90
Imaging
39
Features
35
Overall
37

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs

Pentax K-S2
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 678g - 123 x 91 x 73mm
  • Launched February 2015
  • Succeeded the Pentax K-S1
Pentax VS20
(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
  • Released January 2012
Photography Glossary

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Overview

Here, we are matching up the Pentax K-S2 and Pentax VS20, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the K-S2 (20MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the K-S2 (APS-C) and VS20 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The K-S2 was launched 3 years later than the VS20 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the K-S2 scores vs the VS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month
	
	

Reasons to pick Pentax K-S2 over the Pentax VS20

 K-S2 VS20 
ReleasedFebruary 2015January 2012Fresher by 38 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display resolution921k460kClearer display (+461k dot)
Selfie screen Take selfies

Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Pentax K-S2

 VS20 K-S2 

Common features in the Pentax K-S2 and Pentax VS20

 K-S2 VS20 
Manual focus Very accurate focusing
Display size3"3"Same display sizing
Touch display Neither features Touch display

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-S2 enjoys physical measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax K-S2 and Pentax VS20 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-S2 against the VS20.

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the K-S2 and VS20 is 64 and 90 respectively.

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 top view buttons comparison

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the K-S2 and VS20.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-S2 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax K-S2 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more recent K-S2 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-S2 Portrait photography highlights
Pentax VS20 Portrait photography highlights
78
manual focus
megapixel count decent (20MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with face detection focusing
saves RAW formats
36
has manual focus
decent megapixels (16MP)
manual exposure not available
cannot use external flash
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Street Comparison

Pentax K-S2 as a Street photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Street photography camera
72
screen articulates fully
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
environment proofing
very good high ISO (51,200)
heavier than competition (678g)
61
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition in class (235g)
no moving screen
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Sports Comparison

Pentax K-S2 Sports photography factors
Pentax VS20 Sports photography factors
70
high shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with tracking autofocus
environment proofing
supports phase detect AF
very slow continuous shooting (5.4 frames per second)
terrible battery (410 shots)
44
amazing zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent megapixels (16MP)
supports tracking focus
slow fps (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Travel Comparison

Pentax K-S2 as a Travel photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Travel photography camera
65
environment proofing
megapixel count decent (20MP)
flash built-in
selfie friendly display
terrible battery (410 CIPA)
heavier than competition (678g)
68
lighter than competition in class (235g)
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
really wide (28mm)
great reach (560mm)
lack of Timelapse recording
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Landscape Comparison

Pentax K-S2 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Landscape photography camera
77
manual focus
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
no anti aliasing filter
very good high ISO (51,200)
saves RAW formats
environment proofing
terrible battery (410 shots)
47
has manual focus
really wide (28mm)
screen size is decent (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent megapixels (16MP)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
manual exposure not available
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
lack of Timelapse recording
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-S2 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax VS20 as a Vlogging camera
71
selfie friendly display
image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detection focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
comes with external mic port
heavier than competition (678 grams)
30
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition in class (235 grams)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
screen is not selfie friendly
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pxls)
lack of microphone socket
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax VS20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-S2 and Pentax VS20
 Pentax K-S2Pentax Optio VS20
General Information
Manufacturer Pentax Pentax
Model type Pentax K-S2 Pentax Optio VS20
Class Entry-Level DSLR Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2015-02-10 2012-01-25
Physical type Compact SLR Compact
Sensor Information
Processor PRIME MII -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size APS-C 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 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
Full resolution 5472 x 3648 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO 51200 6400
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 11 3
Lens
Lens mount type Pentax KAF2 fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 28-560mm (20.0x)
Highest aperture - f/3.1-4.8
Macro focusing distance - 3cm
Available lenses 151 -
Crop factor 1.5 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3" 3"
Resolution of screen 921k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen tech - TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) None
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 seconds 4 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/6000 seconds 1/2500 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 5.4 frames per second 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 12.00 m (at ISO 100) 2.80 m
Flash options Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual flash Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 678 grams (1.49 pounds) 235 grams (0.52 pounds)
Physical dimensions 123 x 91 x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 410 shots -
Style of battery Battery Pack -
Battery ID D-LI109 D-LI122
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 secs) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Pricing at launch $581 $106