Pentax P70 vs Pentax VS20

On this page, we are matching up the Pentax P70 versus Pentax VS20, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the P70 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The P70 was unveiled 3 years before the VS20 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the P70 matches up vs the VS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio P70 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Pentax P70 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax P70 has physical measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has sizing of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Pentax P70 versus Pentax VS20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the P70 compared to the VS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the P70 and VS20 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the P70 and VS20.

Clearly, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Pentax VS20 to provide you with greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older P70 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.