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Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18

Portability
90
Imaging
36
Features
23
Overall
30
Nikon Coolpix S32 front
 
Pentax Optio RZ18 front
Portability
92
Imaging
39
Features
37
Overall
38

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Key Specs

Nikon S32
(Full Review)
  • 13MP - 1/3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 125 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 30-90mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 175g - 108 x 66 x 40mm
  • Revealed February 2014
Pentax RZ18
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 178g - 97 x 61 x 33mm
  • Introduced September 2011
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Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Overview

The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively similar but the S32 (1/3") and RZ18 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The S32 was introduced 2 years after the RZ18 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the S32 matches up against the RZ18 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S32 over the Pentax RZ18

 S32 RZ18 
IntroducedFebruary 2014September 2011Newer by 30 months

Reasons to pick Pentax RZ18 over the Nikon S32

 RZ18 S32 
Focus manually Dial exact focus
Screen dimension3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Nikon S32 and Pentax RZ18

 S32 RZ18 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch screen Neither features Touch screen

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Physical Comparison

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon S32 enjoys outside dimensions of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the S32 against the RZ18.

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S32 and RZ18 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Sensor Comparison

Normally, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specifications. The pic underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the S32 and RZ18.

Plainly, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The S32 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax RZ18 will offer more detail using its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer S32 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 sensor size comparison

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S32 as a Portrait photography camera
Pentax RZ18 as a Portrait photography camera
33
good megapixels (13MP)
features face detection autofocus
focusing manually not possible
manual exposure not possible
external flash not possible
small sensor size (1/3")
has no RAW format
36
focusing manually
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
manual mode not possible
no external flash support
very small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon S32 Street photography details
Pentax RZ18 Street photography details
60
image stabilization (Digital)
environment proof
screen is fixed
small sensor size (1/3")
has no RAW format
65
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
environment proofing
lighter than competition (178 grams)
no moving screen
very small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S32 Sports photography features
Pentax RZ18 Sports photography features
36
image stabilization (Digital)
good megapixels (13 megapixels)
environment proof
max frames per second very slow (5.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/3")
terrible battery pack (220 CIPA)
has no phase detect autofocus
47
amazing zoom range (25-450mm 18.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
has tracking autofocus
environment proofing
slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S32 Travel photography advice
Pentax RZ18 Travel photography advice
58
environment proof
good megapixels (13 megapixels)
has built in flash
does not have Timelapse recording
terrible battery pack (220 per charge)
display is not selfie friendly
wide angle not the best (30mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
71
lighter than competition (178g)
environment proofing
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
rather wide (25mm)
long reach (450mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S32 Landscape photography factors
Pentax RZ18 Landscape photography factors
34
image stabilization (Digital)
good megapixels (13MP)
environment proof
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not the best (30mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
manual exposure not possible
small sensor size (1/3")
has no RAW format
terrible battery pack (220 CIPA)
does not have Timelapse recording
49
focusing manually
rather wide (25mm)
decent sized screen (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16MP)
environment proofing
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
manual mode not possible
very small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
doesn't have Time Lapse function
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S32 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax RZ18 as a Vlogging camera
30
image stabilization (Digital)
features face detection autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
wide angle not the best (30mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
does not have external microphone jack
30
rather wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition (178g)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
screen is not selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external mic support
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Nikon S32 vs Pentax RZ18 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S32 and Pentax RZ18
 Nikon Coolpix S32Pentax Optio RZ18
General Information
Make Nikon Pentax
Model type Nikon Coolpix S32 Pentax Optio RZ18
Category Waterproof Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed 2014-02-07 2011-09-12
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 4.8 x 3.6mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 17.3mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 13MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution 4160 x 3120 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO 1600 6400
Minimum native ISO 125 80
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 30-90mm (3.0x) 25-450mm (18.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.3-5.9 f/3.5-5.9
Macro focusing range 5cm 4cm
Focal length multiplier 7.5 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 2.7 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 230k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 4 seconds 4 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 5.0 frames/s 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 3.10 m 2.80 m
Flash settings - Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920x1080 (30p), VGA 640x480 (30p, 15p) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 175 grams (0.39 pounds) 178 grams (0.39 pounds)
Dimensions 108 x 66 x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") 97 x 61 x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 220 photographs -
Battery style Battery Pack -
Battery ID EN-EL19 D-LI92
Self timer Yes (Approx. 10 seconds ) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD / SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Price at release $180 $210