Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a extended assessment of the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Kodak and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the Astro Zoom AZ651 (21MP) and RZ18 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The Astro Zoom AZ651 was introduced 2 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the Astro Zoom AZ651 matches up vs the RZ18 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Kodak Pixpro Astro Zoom AZ651 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are viewable at Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 provides physical dimensions of 125mm x 114mm x 89mm (4.9" x 4.5" x 3.5") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the Astro Zoom AZ651 and the RZ18.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Astro Zoom AZ651 and RZ18 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing specifications. The picture below should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Astro Zoom AZ651 and RZ18.

To sum up, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 to provide you with extra detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern Astro Zoom AZ651 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.