Pentax K-70 vs K20D Comparison
Pentax K-70
Pentax K20D
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Brand | Pentax | Pentax | |
Model | K-70 | K20D | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2008 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 08, 2016 | January 23, 2008 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-70 outperforms the Pentax K20D with a score of 69/100 compared to the K20D’s 47/100. Both cameras are DSLRs with similar launch prices, the K-70 at $650 and the K20D at $770. They share common specifications, such as camera type and dimensions, with the K-70 measuring 126 x 93 x 74mm and the K20D at 142 x 101 x 70mm.
The K-70 excels due to its more recent release in 2016, making it a more advanced camera than the K20D, which was released in 2008. Additionally, the K-70 is lighter, weighing 688g compared to the K20D’s 800g, making it more comfortable to carry and use.
On the other hand, the K20D has a slightly smaller depth, which could be a minor advantage for some users. However, this difference is negligible when considering the overall performance and advancements of the K-70. The Pentax K-70 is undoubtedly the superior option, offering better specifications and a higher score, making it the clear winner in this comparison.
Pentax K-70 vs K20D Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-70 emerges as the winner in this comparison, scoring 74 out of 100 in optics, while the Pentax K20D scores 49. Both cameras share some common specifications: they both have a CMOS sensor, APS-C sensor size, Pentax lens mount, and image stabilization.
The Pentax K-70 exceeds the K20D in several aspects. It has a higher megapixel count of 24 compared to the K20D’s 14.6, allowing for more detailed and higher resolution images. The K-70 also boasts a faster shooting speed of 6 frames per second, doubling the K20D’s 3 frames per second. This faster shooting speed enables the K-70 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. Additionally, the K-70’s Prime MII image processor outperforms the K20D’s Prime processor, providing better image quality and faster processing times. Lastly, the K-70 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 88, compared to the K20D’s 65, indicating superior sensor performance.
The Pentax K20D does not have any specific advantages over the K-70 in terms of optics. However, it is important to note that the K20D still offers decent image quality and performance for its age.
Considering the significant differences in optics scores and the advantages of the K-70, it is clear that the Pentax K-70 is the superior camera in this comparison. The K-70’s higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, advanced image processor, and better sensor performance make it a more powerful and versatile camera. On the other hand, the Pentax K20D, while not as impressive as the K-70, remains a viable option for those seeking a more affordable camera with decent performance.
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Optics
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP | 14.6 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 4672 x 3104 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 16 x 23 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps | 3 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime MII | Prime | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 102,400 | 3,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 6400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 6000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 11 | 11 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Pentax K-70 vs K20D Video Performance
When comparing the video capabilities of the Pentax K-70 and the Pentax K20D, it is important to note that the Pentax K20D does not have any video functionality. This means that if video recording is a priority, the K20D would not be a suitable choice. On the other hand, the Pentax K-70 offers a range of video features that make it a more versatile option for those interested in capturing both still images and video footage.
The Pentax K-70 has a video score of 70 out of 100, indicating its decent performance in this category. Its maximum video resolution is Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This ensures that the K-70 can capture high-quality video footage suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the K-70 has a maximum video frame rate of 60 frames per second, allowing for smoother motion capture and better results when filming fast-moving subjects or scenes. Furthermore, the K-70 has built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.
Taking into consideration the video capabilities of both cameras, it is clear that the Pentax K-70 is the better option for those who require video recording features. The K20D’s lack of video functionality makes it a less versatile choice, while the K-70’s range of video features, including Full HD resolution, 60fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse, make it a more suitable camera for users interested in both photography and videography.
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Video
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |  | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | N/A | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | N/A | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | N/A | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV | N/A |
Pentax K-70 vs K20D Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-70 is the winner in this comparison, scoring 68 out of 100 for features, while the Pentax K20D scores 47 out of 100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the absence of a touchscreen. However, the K-70 outperforms the K20D in several aspects, making it the better camera.
The Pentax K-70 and K20D have different screen sizes and resolutions. The K-70 has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, while the K20D has a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The K-70’s larger screen and higher resolution provide a clearer and more detailed display.
The K-70 also has a flip screen, enabling users to shoot from various angles and capture creative shots easily. This feature is not present in the K20D. Additionally, the K-70 is equipped with GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, which are lacking in the K20D. These features make the K-70 more versatile and convenient for modern photography needs.
On the other hand, the K20D does not surpass the K-70 in any particular feature. The K-70 is simply a more advanced and feature-rich camera compared to the K20D. This is reflected in their respective feature scores.
Taking these points into consideration, the Pentax K-70 is the superior camera in terms of features. Its larger and higher resolution screen, flip screen, and connectivity options give it a clear advantage over the K20D. The K20D, while a decent camera, does not offer any significant benefits over the K-70. Therefore, the K-70 is the recommended choice for photographers seeking a camera with more advanced features.
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Features
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" |  2.7" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots | 230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Pentax K-70 vs K20D Storage and Battery
The Pentax K20D wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 27, while the Pentax K-70 scores 24. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and do not support USB charging. They accept SD and SDHC memory cards, with the K-70 also accepting SDXC (UHS-I compatible) cards, and the K20D accepting MMC cards.
The K20D’s advantage lies in its longer battery life, providing 500 shots compared to the K-70’s 410 shots. This makes the K20D more suitable for extended shooting sessions without needing to change the battery. The K-70, on the other hand, offers compatibility with faster and higher capacity SDXC cards, allowing for quicker transfer speeds and more storage for photos and videos.
Considering these factors, the K20D’s longer battery life gives it an edge in this comparison, while the K-70’s support for SDXC cards provides some benefits in storage capacity and transfer speeds.
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Storage and Battery
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / MMC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | D-LI109 | D-LI50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots | 500 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 22.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 11.1 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 639 |
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Scores
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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Pentax K-70 vs K20D – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-70 or the Pentax K20D:
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User Scores
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Pentax K-70
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Pentax K20D
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B&H photo video |
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