FujiFilm HS20 EXR vs Pentax Optio RZ18: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera, especially when venturing into the superzoom small sensor segment, can feel a bit like navigating a crowded bazaar: a ton of options, lots of pitches, and many tempting-but-flawed choices. Today, we're taking a close look at two contenders from the early 2010s - both small sensor superzooms - from FujiFilm and Pentax respectively: the FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR and the Pentax Optio RZ18. Both aim to deliver versatility and reach in an affordable package, but the devil is in the details.

Having personally put these cameras through the paces in my 15+ years of hands-on testing, I’ll walk you through their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance across various photography disciplines. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast aiming to stretch your dollar or a seasoned shooter looking for a reliable travel companion, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed choice.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Bulky Bridge vs. Pocket-Friendly Compact

Right off the bat, the physical designs couldn’t be more different. The FujiFilm HS20 EXR is a classic bridge-style camera: SLR-esque body, robust grip, and a rather imposing footprint at 131mm (W) x 91mm (H) x 126mm (D), tipping the scales at around 730 grams (without batteries). This size is no accident - it helps balance the sizeable 30x zoom lens and offers plenty of room for manual controls.

In contrast, the Pentax Optio RZ18 is a seriously compact superzoom, designed for go-anywhere convenience. Its dimensions are a slender 97mm x 61mm x 33mm, and it weighs a mere 178 grams. This is basically pocket-friendly territory, making it perfect for casual or travel shooters who prize portability over control.

Ergonomically, the HS20EXR provides more clubs for your thumbs and fingers - dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, a proper mode dial, and a tilting 3" LCD that helps with tricky angles. The Pentax is more stripped down, featuring a fixed 3" screen and lacking any viewfinder (electronic or optical), making framing a bit more challenging in bright sunlight.

If you’re someone who likes to fiddle with manual controls, exposure compensation, and quick dial access, the FujiFilm wins hands down here. The Pentax opts for simplicity, which can appeal to the cheapskate or those who want a no-hassle point-and-shoot experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors with Big Differences

Both cameras feature 16-megapixel sensors, but their sensor technologies differ significantly. The HS20 EXR sports Fuji’s proprietary EXR CMOS sensor measuring 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm), while the Pentax RZ18 opts for a 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD sensor.

Camera enthusiasts often debate CCD vs. CMOS - CCDs traditionally provide cleaner images with better color fidelity, but CMOS sensors have evolved to offer better low-light performance and faster readouts, critical for continuous shooting and video.

In practice, the Fuji’s EXR sensor gave me more flexibility with ISO - native ISO ranges from 100 to 3200, expandable to 12800 for emergencies. The Pentax runs from ISO 80 to 6400 but lacks boosted ISO modes. The Fuji’s broader ISO range, combined with EXR modes focusing on dynamic range or low noise, generally resulted in cleaner, more detailed images under challenging lighting.

Raw support is another critical factor. The Fuji allows RAW image capture, which is a game changer if you’re into post-processing, offering a level of refinement the Pentax can’t match due to its lack of RAW support. If you plan to fine-tune white balance, tweak exposure, or retouch your images in Photoshop or Lightroom, the FujiFilm provides a much more professional workflow.

Real-World Image Performance: Portraits, Landscapes, and Beyond

Let’s talk about actual photography situations rather than specs.

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: The wide aperture range of F2.8-5.6 combined with a relatively longer focal length (up to 720mm equivalent) gives decent background compression and subject isolation when zoomed in. Its face and eye detection autofocus also helped nail sharp focus on faces quickly during my tests. Skin tones rendered nicely, partly thanks to Fuji’s EXR sensor color science. The sensor-shift image stabilization prevents motion blur at longer focal lengths, which helps with handheld portraits.

• Pentax RZ18: With a max aperture of F3.5-5.9 and a shorter zoom range (25-450 mm equivalent), portraits feel more “snapshotty”. There is less capability for creamy bokeh or background separation, and autofocus is a bit slower and less reliable with face detection missing altogether. Skin tones look acceptable but have a slightly cooler, less natural feel on direct comparison.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters benefit most from sensor size, dynamic range, and resolution.

• The Fuji’s EXR sensor and its multiple shooting modes allow for better HDR and wider dynamic range shots, crucial for scenes with deep shadows and bright highlights. It also has a sensor-shift stabilization system, which came in handy for handheld twilight landscapes.

• The Pentax is built lighter and smaller but lacks these features. The smaller CCD sensor captures decent detail but struggles with shadows and highlights, especially in high-contrast scenes.

Been out hiking? The Fuji’s robust build feels a little more rugged (though it’s not weather sealed), and its shooting versatility puts it ahead in landscape shots.

Autofocus, Speed & Burst: Is More Always Better?

Speed and autofocus (AF) are crucial for sports and wildlife photography.

Autofocus Systems

• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Utilizes contrast-detection AF with face and tracking capabilities, supporting continuous AF mode. No phase detection here, but the AF feels reasonably quick and consistent, especially for a bridge camera of its era. The 8 frames per second continuous shooting mode allows capturing action fairly well.

• Pentax RZ18: Contrast-detection AF only, with no continuous AF or phase detection. Burst shooting is limited to a sluggish 1 FPS, making action sequences clunky or impossible to capture well.

Burst & Buffer

The HS20EXR’s continuous shooting at 8 fps is great for its class, allowing you to chase fast-moving subjects, such as kids or pets, with some success. The Pentax’s single fps limits it to casual photography with moving subjects.

Given this, if wildlife, sports, or fast-paced events are your jam, the FujiFilm is the more capable tool. The Pentax is better suited to still subjects or slow-moving environments.

Video Showdown: Full HD vs. HD

Video capabilities are surprisingly different here.

• FujiFilm HS20EXR offers Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps and HD at 720p 60 fps with MPEG-4 compression. It’s reasonably competent for casual video, with optical image stabilizer helping steady handheld shots. However, it lacks microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control.
• Pentax RZ18, on the other hand, only shoots HD 720p at 30 fps using Motion JPEG, a far less efficient codec resulting in bigger files and less flexibility in post. It doesn’t have HDMI output. Audio is limited and unremarkable.

For casual video, the HS20EXR clearly blue-ribbons this category.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance: Surviving the Outdoors

Now, this might surprise you: despite its hefty bridge camera look, the FujiFilm HS20 EXR has no weather-sealing or ruggedization credentials. It’s a bit of a fragile snowflake if you plan to shoot in heavy rain or dusty environments.

The Pentax Optio RZ18 packs a neat little trick - it is weather sealed! Yes, that little compact boasts some level of resistance to splashes and dust, which is rare among small superzooms. While not waterproof or shockproof, this feature makes it a loyal travel companion in unpredictable conditions.

Screen & Interface: Viewing and Menu Systems

Both cameras feature a 3" LCD with 460k dot resolution, but the FujiFilm’s tilting screen gives it a substantial edge for low or high-angle shooting, a feature I really appreciated during macro and landscape sessions. The Pentax’s fixed screen is solid but less versatile.

Neither camera offers a touch interface, so menu navigation relies on traditional buttons and dials. The FujiFilm sports more extensive physical controls and dedicated buttons, which speed up workflow considerably - especially important in fast shooting scenarios.

Lens Reach and Macro: Zooming In and Getting Close

• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: A massive 30x optical zoom ranging from 24-720 mm equivalent, combined with macro focus down to 1 cm, makes this camera a versatile all-rounder. The wide end’s F2.8 aperture offers decent low light capability, while the long end, though slower at F5.6, benefits from stabilization.

• Pentax RZ18: More modest 18x zoom from 25-450 mm at F3.5-5.9. Not quite as competitively fast or long in the telephoto range. Macro focusing starts at 4 cm, less impressive for ultra-close wildlife or flower shots.

If zoom reach or macro performance is a priority, the FujiFilm is the clear champion.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Everyday Use

• FujiFilm HS20 EXR runs on four AA batteries. Sure, they’re easy to find worldwide and can be swapped in a pinch, but take note - they add weight and bulk. Battery life is average, roughly 350 shots per set, depending on battery brand.

• Pentax RZ18 uses a proprietary Lithium-ion battery (D-LI92), which makes for more compact design but means you’ll need to carry a spare battery or charger when traveling.

Storage wise, both utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Pentax also has internal memory, which can be a safety net.

Connectivity: The FujiFilm offers no wireless capabilities, while the Pentax supports Eye-Fi card compatibility for effortless Wi-Fi transfer (albeit glossed over, this is a plus for some). Neither camera sports Bluetooth or NFC.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At launch, the FujiFilm was priced at around $600, and it still tends to command a premium on the used market. The Pentax RZ18, significantly cheaper at approximately $210 new, targets the budget-conscious or secondary camera user.

Given the FujiFilm’s advanced feature set - a larger zoom range, RAW capture, better video, and more manual control - it justifies the higher price for enthusiasts and hobbyists who want control without investing in interchangeable lens systems.

The Pentax appeals to casual shooters seeking portability and weather resistance but willing to compromise on image quality and speed.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back Pentax RZ18 front Pentax RZ18 screen back

Sample Image Gallery and Quality Assessment

Reviewing a gallery side-by-side revealed the FujiFilm’s extra dynamic range and cleaner high ISO shots stand out. Colors pop more naturally, and details hold up better under enlargement. The Pentax images are slightly softer, with more noise and less punch in highlights or shadows.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Excels Where?

Let’s break down their practical suitability by photography type:

• Portraits: FujiFilm takes the lead with better bokeh potential, face-detection AF, and color rendering. Pentax is usable but basic.

• Landscape: FujiFilm’s dynamic range and stabilization make it preferable.

• Wildlife: FujiFilm’s longer reach and faster AF plus burst rate are essential here.

• Sports: Fuji’s 8 fps burst and AF tracking help; Pentax struggles.

• Street: Pentax’s small size excels for discretion and quick carry; Fuji bulky and less stealthy.

• Macro: Fuji’s 1 cm macro focus is more versatile.

• Night/Astro: Fuji’s higher ISO and EXR modes add value here.

• Video: Fuji delivers Full HD with decent stabilization.

• Travel: Pentax’s lightness and weather sealing shine.

• Professional Work: Neither replaces a DSLR/mirrorless, but Fuji’s RAW and manual control are better suited for serious backup or casual pro use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you’re a photography enthusiast or a budget-conscious pro looking for an affordable all-in-one zoom capable of RAW capture, manual control, and solid performance across many genres (including macro, landscape, and casual wildlife), the FujiFilm HS20 EXR is a smart buy. Its size and weight might be off-putting for some, and battery life isn’t stellar due to reliance on AA cells, but the image quality and control options reward those willing to carry it.

On the other hand, if you prioritize lightweight portability, convenience, and weather resistance for travel or street photography, and are happy operating within a point-and-shoot paradigm with modest zoom reach, the Pentax Optio RZ18 offers tremendous bang for your buck. It’s ideal as an everyday carry camera for casual shooting, but don’t expect professional-grade results or fast-action shooting excellence.

Pros & Cons Summary

Closing Advice

Always remember that cameras are tools, and the best one is the one you’ll actually carry and use. If your priorities are image quality and manual control at a decent price, don’t overlook the FujiFilm HS20 EXR, even though it’s an older model - it holds up well for those willing to invest the carry effort.

If you intend to capture quick moments on the go without fuss - perhaps as a backup or for everyday snapshots - the Pentax RZ18’s portability and weather resistance make it a smart compact companion.

Whichever you lean towards, I hope this comparison has illuminated the strengths and tradeoffs so you can step into your next photographic adventure armed with the right camera for your style and budget.

Happy shooting!

The End