Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax RZ18

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic GX1 and Pentax RZ18, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GX1 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly close but the GX1 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The GX1 was launched 6 months after the RZ18 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the GX1 grades against the RZ18 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX1 features outer measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 318 grams (0.70 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).

See the Panasonic GX1 and Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the GX1 versus the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX1 and RZ18 is 87 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by researching technical specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GX1 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The GX1 features the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult.