Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax RZ18, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FS12 was manufactured 3 years prior to the RZ18 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FS12 grades versus the RZ18 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys outer measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FS12 versus the RZ18.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and RZ18.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Pentax RZ18 to provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged FS12 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.