Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax RZ18

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic GF8 and Pentax RZ18, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GF8 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the GF8 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The GF8 was manufactured 4 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the GF8 scores against the RZ18 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF8 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF8 has physical measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF8 and Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the GF8 and the RZ18.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF8 and RZ18 is 90 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions merely by checking out technical specs. The pic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the GF8 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The GF8 contains the larger sensor which will make obtaining bokeh easier. The fresher GF8 should have an edge in sensor tech.