Panasonic GH1 vs Pentax RZ18

On this page, we will be contrasting the Panasonic GH1 and Pentax RZ18, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the GH1 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the GH1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The GH1 was released 3 years prior to the RZ18 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the GH1 grades versus the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH1 offers external dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH1 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the GH1 and the RZ18.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the GH1 and RZ18 is 81 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH1 and RZ18.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH1 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Pentax RZ18 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older GH1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.