Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax RZ18

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GM1 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very well matched but the GM1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The GM1 was launched 2 years later than the RZ18 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the GM1 scores vs the RZ18 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GM1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GM1 provides physical dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the GM1 against the RZ18.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GM1 and RZ18 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GM1 and RZ18.

As you can see, both cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The GM1 provides the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The younger GM1 will have a benefit in sensor tech.