Nikon P610 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a complete review of the Nikon P610 versus Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the P610 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very comparable and they feature the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The P610 was brought out 3 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon P610 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the P610 matches up against the RZ18 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P610 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon P610 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon P610 provides external measurements of 125mm x 85mm x 107mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.2") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P610 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the P610 and the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the P610 and RZ18 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the P610 and RZ18.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the exact same megapixels and you should expect comparable quality of images however you have to take the production date of the cameras into account. The more recent P610 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.