Capture Unforgettable Moments with Pentax Optio VS20

Discover how the innovative features of Pentax Optio VS20 can take your photography to the next level. This camera boasts impressive specifications, including a 16-megapixel sensor, 20x optical zoom, and 720p HD video recording. The dual shutter buttons and vertical shooting mode mean you can easily capture both horizontal and vertical shots. Read on to learn more about the Pentax Optio VS20 and why it's the perfect camera for your next adventure.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Optio VS20 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 25 2012

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight235g
MSRP$249USD

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Overview of the Optio VS20

Are you looking for a high-quality camera to capture your memories and adventures? Look no further than the Pentax Optio VS20. With its advanced features and easy-to-use dual shutter buttons, this camera is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers. Whether you're snapping photos of stunning landscapes or capturing action-packed scenes, the Pentax Optio VS20 delivers exceptional image quality and performance. So why wait? Get ready to take your photography skills to the next level with the Pentax Optio VS20 today.

Pentax Optio VS20 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Optio VS20 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

16 megapixel resolution
28x optical zoom
Dual shutter release buttons
HD video recording
Compatible with Eye-Fi wireless SD cards
In-camera editing options
Image stabilization technology
Compact and lightweight design

Cons

Limited low light performance
Slow autofocus at full zoom
No manual control options
No RAW file support
Short battery life
Limited video recording options
No built-in GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity
Limited availability of accessories and lenses.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Optio VS20

Weather sealed
Dimensions111 x 61 x 38mm
Weight235g
Thickness38mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Pentax Optio VS20 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Pentax Optio VS20 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Pentax Optio VS20 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Optio VS20 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Optio VS20 has a 16MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Pentax Optio VS20 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 25 2012

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax Optio VS20 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Optio VS20 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelD-LI122
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Optio VS20 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Pentax Optio VS20 uses the D-LI122 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Pentax Optio VS20 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Pentax Optio VS20 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2500s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Pentax Optio VS20 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 3 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Pentax Optio VS20?

The Pentax Optio VS20 features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax Optio VS20 weather sealed?

No the Optio VS20 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Optio VS20 announced?

The Pentax Optio VS20 was announced on Jan 25 2012

Does the Pentax Optio VS20 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Optio VS20 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Pentax Optio VS20?

The Optio VS20 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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