Panasonic GF7 vs Pentax RZ18

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic GF7 versus Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GF7 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the GF7 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF7 was manufactured 3 years later than the RZ18 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the GF7 grades vs the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF7 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF7 features outer dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF7 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the GF7 versus the RZ18.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF7 and RZ18 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through specs. The photograph below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF7 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The GF7 features the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The more recent GF7 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.