Pentax VS20 vs Pentax ist DL2

Following is a detailed review of the Pentax VS20 and Pentax ist DL2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are offered by Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the VS20 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the VS20 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The VS20 was announced 6 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the VS20 grades vs the ist DL2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio VS20 & Pentax ist DL2. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax VS20 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax VS20 has outside dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Pentax VS20 and Pentax ist DL2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the VS20 vs the ist DL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the VS20 and ist DL2 is 90 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VS20 and ist DL2.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VS20 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax VS20 will provide you with more detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer VS20 provides an advantage in sensor technology.