Olympus E-P5 vs Pentax RZ18

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-P5 vs Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very well matched but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-P5 was unveiled 2 years later than the RZ18 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-P5 matches up against the RZ18 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P5 comes with external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P5 vs Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-P5 vs the RZ18.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and RZ18 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P5 and RZ18.

Clearly, both cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The E-P5 has the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The younger E-P5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.