Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax RZ18, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The FS42 was brought out 3 years earlier than the RZ18 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FS42 scores versus the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 provides outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FS42 against the RZ18.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The image underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and RZ18.

As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will render extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.