Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GF2 versus Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the GF2 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the GF2 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

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The GF2 was manufactured 6 months prior to the RZ18 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the GF2 matches up versus the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF2 offers outside measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF2 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF2 versus the RZ18.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF2 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF2 and RZ18.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF2 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Pentax RZ18 will render greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs way more aggressively.