Olympus SH-1 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a extensive overview of the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-1 was unveiled 2 years after the RZ18 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SH-1 matches up against the RZ18 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-1 provides physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax RZ18 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SH-1 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The pic here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-1 and RZ18.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size and the exact same MP so you can expect similar quality of photos although you might want to take the age of the products into consideration. The more recent SH-1 should have an edge in sensor technology.