• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Pentax K20D advantages over Canon XS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.51x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    14.6 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    11 vs 7
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon XS advantages over Pentax K20D

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Pentax K20D

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K200D

Pentax K20D
Pentax K200D
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K20D vs Pentax K200D

Canon XS
Pentax K200D
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Pentax K200D

Compared to Samsung GX-20

Pentax K20D
Samsung GX-20
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K20D vs Samsung GX-20

Canon XS
Samsung GX-20
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Samsung GX-20

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Pentax K20D
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K20D vs Sony DSLR-A230

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A230

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Pentax K20D
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax K20D vs Sony DSLR-A380

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Pentax K-7

Pentax K20D
Pentax K-7
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax K20D vs Pentax K-7

Canon XS
Pentax K-7
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Pentax K-7

Compare Other Cameras?