Pentax VS20 vs Sony HX1

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax VS20 and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the VS20 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the VS20 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") provide different sensor sizes.

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The VS20 was announced 2 years after the HX1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summation of how the VS20 grades versus the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio VS20 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax VS20 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax VS20 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Pentax VS20 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the VS20 compared to the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the VS20 and HX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at a spec sheet. The image below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the VS20 and HX1.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VS20 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will give you greater detail with its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger VS20 should have an edge in sensor tech.