Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18
88 Imaging
40 Features
50 Overall
44
![Olympus SZ-15 front Olympus SZ-15 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-SZ-15/Olympus-SZ-15-front.jpg)
![Pentax Optio RZ18 front Pentax Optio RZ18 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-Optio-RZ18/Pentax-RZ18-front.jpg)
92 Imaging
39 Features
37 Overall
38
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 23-483mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 250g - 108 x 70 x 40mm
- Launched June 2013
(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
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Overview
Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
The SZ-15 was brought out 22 months after the RZ18 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SZ-15 grades against the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-15 over the Pentax RZ18
SZ-15 | RZ18 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | June 2013 | ![]() | September 2011 | Newer by 22 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax RZ18 over the Olympus SZ-15
RZ18 | SZ-15 |
---|
Common features in the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax RZ18
SZ-15 | RZ18 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurements |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).
Check the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 and the RZ18.
![Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 size comparison Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-SZ-15-vs-Pentax-Optio-RZ18-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.
![Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 top view buttons comparison Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-SZ-15-vs-Pentax-Optio-RZ18-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The picture below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and RZ18.
All in all, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size and the exact same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of pictures however you really should consider the production date of the cameras into account. The younger SZ-15 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.
![Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 sensor size comparison Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-SZ-15-vs-Pentax-Optio-RZ18-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-SZ-15-vs-Pentax-Optio-RZ18-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax RZ18 Specifications
Olympus SZ-15 | Pentax Optio RZ18 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Olympus | Pentax |
Model | Olympus SZ-15 | Pentax Optio RZ18 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2013-06-21 | 2011-09-12 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 23-483mm (21.0x) | 25-450mm (18.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.5-5.9 |
Macro focus distance | 5cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3" |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display technology | LCD | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 4s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | 2.80 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 480fps (176 x 128), 240fps (384 x 288) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | AVI MPEG4, Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 250 gr (0.55 pounds) | 178 gr (0.39 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 108 x 70 x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") | 97 x 61 x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | SLB-10A | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $200 | $210 |