Pentax K20D vs Pentax W80

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Pentax K20D versus Pentax W80, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Pentax. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the K20D (15MP) and W80 (12MP) and the K20D (APS-C) and W80 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The K20D was unveiled 12 months earlier than the W80 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the K20D scores against the W80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K20D and Pentax Optio W80. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K20D Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K20D enjoys external dimensions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Pentax W80 has specifications of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Pentax K20D versus Pentax W80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the K20D versus the W80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K20D and W80 is 59 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The graphic here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K20D and W80.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K20D having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax K20D will show greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The older K20D will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.