Olympus 1 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus 1 vs Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The 1 was announced 2 years later than the RZ18 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the 1 scores vs the RZ18 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus 1 provides exterior measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while 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).

Examine the Olympus 1 vs Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the 1 vs the RZ18.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and RZ18 is 79 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will give extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger 1 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.