Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax RZ18

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax RZ18, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is pretty comparable and they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was announced 8 months before the RZ18 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FH5 matches up against the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 has got external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FH5 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and RZ18 is 96 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The visual here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and RZ18.

All in all, both of those cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same megapixels so you should expect comparable quality of photos but you might want to take the production date of the cameras into account. The older FH5 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.