Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax RZ18

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax RZ18, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was launched 3 years prior to the RZ18 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P1 grades vs the RZ18 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 has outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has specifications 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 Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-P1 against the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and RZ18 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by going over technical specs. The pic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax RZ18 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.