Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ18

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ18, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was brought out 16 months earlier than the RZ18 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1 grades against the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 features external dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 against the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and RZ18 is 86 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by going through specs. The image here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and RZ18.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.