• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax VS20 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Pentax VS20

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 560 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax VS20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS50

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SZ-12

Pentax VS20
Olympus SZ-12
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-12
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bulb shutter

Compared to Olympus SZ-16

Pentax VS20
Olympus SZ-16
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-16
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compared to Olympus SZ-15

Pentax VS20
Olympus SZ-15
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-15
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Pentax VS20
Panasonic ZS40
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS50
Panasonic ZS40
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Pentax VS20
Canon SX700 HS
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Panasonic ZS50
Canon SX700 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter
Compare Other Cameras?