Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax RZ18

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly close and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FZ40 was manufactured 13 months before the RZ18 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the FZ40 grades versus the RZ18 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ40 features outside measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the FZ40 versus the RZ18.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and RZ18 is 68 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching technical specs. The photograph here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ40 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Pentax RZ18 to result in extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The older FZ40 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.