• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax VS20 advantages over Canon SX260 HS

  • Less expensive
    $250 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Canon SX260 HS advantages over Pentax VS20

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.3 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax VS20
Pentax VS20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX260 HS

Review Excerpt

  • 20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.

  • Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.

  • Read our Canon SX260 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Pentax VS20
Nikon S9100
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9100

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

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Olympus SZ-12

Canon SX260 HS
Olympus SZ-12
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Olympus SZ-12

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

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Olympus SZ-16

Canon SX260 HS
Olympus SZ-16
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Olympus SZ-16

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

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Olympus SZ-15

Canon SX260 HS
Olympus SZ-15
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Olympus SZ-15

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Pentax VS20
Canon SX280 HS
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax VS20 vs Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Canon SX280 HS

Compare Other Cameras?