Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax RZ18

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was released 7 months after the RZ18 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the GF5 scores against the RZ18 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GF5 offers outer dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the GF5 vs the RZ18.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF5 and RZ18 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The image here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GF5 and RZ18.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GF5 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more modern GF5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.