Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax RZ18

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was released 2 years after the RZ18 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SP-100 matches up versus the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-100 comes with physical dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-100 vs the RZ18.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and RZ18 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing specs. The image below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and RZ18.

All in all, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical resolution and you should expect similar quality of photographs though you should really take the production date of the products into consideration. The more recent SP-100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.