Olympus E-M5 vs Pentax RZ18

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-M5 and Pentax RZ18, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-M5 was unveiled 8 months later than the RZ18 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-M5 scores against the RZ18 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 has outer dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M5 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-M5 compared to the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and RZ18 is 81 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M5 and RZ18.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor sizing. The E-M5 uses the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The newer E-M5 provides an edge in sensor technology.