• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S95 advantages over Pentax VS20

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.08 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.1
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.9 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Pentax VS20 advantages over Canon S95

  • Less expensive
    $250 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    560 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/2500 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Pentax VS20

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon S90

Canon S95
Canon S90
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S90

Pentax VS20
Canon S90
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Canon S90

Compared to Canon S100

Canon S95
Canon S100
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S100

Pentax VS20
Canon S100
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Canon S100

Compared to Olympus SZ-12

Canon S95
Olympus SZ-12
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon S95 vs 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

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Olympus SZ-12

Compared to Canon S110

Canon S95
Canon S110
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S110

Pentax VS20
Canon S110
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Canon S110

Compared to Olympus SZ-16

Canon S95
Olympus SZ-16
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon S95 vs 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

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Olympus SZ-16

Compare Other Cameras?