Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax RZ18

Here is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax RZ18, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FP1 was released 20 months prior to the RZ18 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FP1 grades vs the RZ18 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP1 has got physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FP1 vs the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP1 and RZ18.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Pentax RZ18 to deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The older FP1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.