Pentax K20D vs Sony HX20V

Below, we are evaluating the Pentax K20D and Sony HX20V, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K20D (15MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is fairly comparable but the K20D (APS-C) and HX20V (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The K20D was brought out 5 years earlier than the HX20V and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the K20D grades versus the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K20D and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K20D Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K20D provides physical measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Pentax K20D and Sony HX20V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the K20D versus the HX20V.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the K20D and HX20V is 59 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the K20D and HX20V.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The K20D due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX20V will provide greater detail having its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older K20D will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.