Panasonic FH3 vs Pentax RZ18

Here is a extended comparison of the Panasonic FH3 and Pentax RZ18, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FH3 was launched 20 months before the RZ18 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FH3 grades versus the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH3 provides exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH3 and Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FH3 compared to the RZ18.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH3 and RZ18 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH3 and RZ18.

As you have seen, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax RZ18 to offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older FH3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.