• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K20D advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.05 vs 1.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 530 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.6 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 2000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S520 advantages over Pentax K20D

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 802g
    Lighter weight

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Samsung NV30

Pentax K20D
Samsung NV30
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K20D vs Samsung NV30

Nikon S520
Samsung NV30
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S520 vs Samsung NV30

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

Nikon S520
Samsung GX-20
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Samsung GX-20

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Pentax K20D
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K20D vs Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD1200 IS

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

Nikon S520
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 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

Nikon S520
Pentax K-7
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Pentax K-7

Compare Other Cameras?