Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax RZ18

Lets look more closely at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and RZ18 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was brought out 7 months prior to the RZ18 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the XZ-1 scores vs the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-1 vs the RZ18.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and RZ18.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax RZ18 will offer more detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.