Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SH-2 versus Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was brought out 3 years after the RZ18 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SH-2 scores vs the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 has got outside dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-2 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SH-2 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and RZ18.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact resolution and you should expect similar quality of photographs however you would want to take the production date of the products into consideration. The newer SH-2 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.