Panasonic G1 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic G1 and Pentax RZ18, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The G1 was brought out 3 years before the RZ18 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the G1 matches up versus the RZ18 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G1 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G1 features physical measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and 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).

Check out the Panasonic G1 and Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the G1 vs the RZ18.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the G1 and RZ18 is 82 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The visual below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G1 and RZ18.

All in all, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Pentax RZ18 will offer you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older G1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.