Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax RZ18

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax RZ18, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the GX8 (20MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the GX8 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The GX8 was announced 3 years later than the RZ18 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the GX8 matches up vs the RZ18 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GX8 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic GX8 has exterior dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") and a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the GX8 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and RZ18 is 74 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX8 and RZ18.

As you can tell, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GX8 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic GX8 will show extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The more modern GX8 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.