Panasonic FS7 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we are analyzing the Panasonic FS7 and Pentax RZ18, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the FS7 (10MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the FS7 (1/2.5") and RZ18 (1/2.3") have different sensor dimensions.

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The FS7 was launched 3 years before the RZ18 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FS7 matches up against the RZ18 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FS7 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS7 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS7 and Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the FS7 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS7 and RZ18 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FS7 and RZ18.

Clearly, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS7 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax RZ18 will give more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older FS7 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.