Pentax K20D vs Samsung GX-20

Cameras
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Pentax K20D vs Samsung GX-20

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APS-C 368.2mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Pentax K20D Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K20D.

APS-C 369.7mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Samsung GX-20 Review.

Succeeded by the Pentax K-7
Compare K20D vs K-7
Compare Pentax K-7 vs Samsung GX-20

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Differences

Pentax K20D advantages over Samsung GX-20

Less expensive
$800 vs $1400 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Pentax K20D

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GX-20 test data on DxO Mark K20D test data on DxO Mark

714 vs 639 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
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
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
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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Buy the Samsung GX-20

Review Excerpt

Read our Pentax K20D Full Review

We haven’t reviewed the Samsung GX-20.
Read our Samsung GX-20 Preview

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

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K200D

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
Pentaprism viewfinder

$800
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K200D

Compared to Canon 50D

Pentax K20D

Canon 50D

$800
APS-C

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K20D vs Canon 50D

Samsung GX-20

Canon 50D

$1400
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 50D

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

Samsung GX-20

Sony DSLR-A380

$1400
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
Tiltable Screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 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

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K-7

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$1300
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Pentax K20D

Sony DSLR-A500

$800
APS-C

Lens selection
Top deck display

$850
APS-C

Tiltable Screen
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K20D vs Sony DSLR-A500

Samsung GX-20

Sony DSLR-A500

$1400
APS-C

Lens selection
Top deck display

$850
APS-C

Less expensive
Tiltable Screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Sony DSLR-A500

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