Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax RZ18

The following is a extended comparison of the Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax RZ18, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The GH3 was manufactured 13 months after the RZ18 making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the GH3 grades vs the RZ18 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH3 has got exterior dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while 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).

Contrast the Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the GH3 and the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the GH3 and RZ18 is 66 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specs. The pic here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide the same resolution but not the same sensor dimensions. The GH3 includes the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler. The newer GH3 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.