Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax RZ18

The following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic FP5 and Pentax RZ18, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FP5 was revealed 8 months before the RZ18 which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FP5 scores vs the RZ18 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP5 comes with outside dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP5 and Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FP5 versus the RZ18.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The image below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP5 and RZ18.

As you can tell, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Pentax RZ18 to resolve more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged FP5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.