Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax RZ18

Here is a complete review of the Panasonic FZ70 and Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ70 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly similar and they possess the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FZ70 was unveiled 23 months later than the RZ18 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FZ70 scores vs the RZ18 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ70 has got outside measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ70 and Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FZ70 against the RZ18.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ70 and RZ18 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ70 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical MP so you should expect similar quality of photographs although you should really consider the production date of the products into consideration. The more recent FZ70 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.