Panasonic S1 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic S1 and Pentax RZ18, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the S1 (24MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the S1 (Full frame) and RZ18 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The S1 was manufactured 7 years after the RZ18 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the S1 grades against the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S1 features exterior measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") with a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic S1 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the S1 vs the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S1 and RZ18 is 54 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its hard to see the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the S1 and RZ18.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S1 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic S1 will deliver more detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern S1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.