Pentax K100D S vs Pentax VS20

Here is a in depth analysis of the Pentax K100D S vs Pentax VS20, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the K100D S (6MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the K100D S (APS-C) and VS20 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The K100D S was revealed 5 years earlier than the VS20 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the K100D S scores versus the VS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K100D Super and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K100D S Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K100D S has outer dimensions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K100D S vs Pentax VS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the K100D S against the VS20.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the K100D S and VS20 is 65 and 90 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The photograph here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the K100D S and VS20.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K100D S using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will offer greater detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older K100D S is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.