Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax RZ18

The following is a extended review of the Panasonic FP3 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FP3 was manufactured 20 months before the RZ18 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the FP3 grades versus the RZ18 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP3 comes with external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP3 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the FP3 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP3 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specs. The image underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Pentax RZ18 to provide you with more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged FP3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.