Panasonic TS2 vs Pentax RZ18

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic TS2 and Pentax RZ18, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the TS2 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The TS2 was released 19 months before the RZ18 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the TS2 grades vs the RZ18 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic TS2 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic TS2 comes with outer measurements of 99mm x 63mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") along with a weight of 188 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has specifications 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 TS2 and Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the TS2 and the RZ18.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TS2 and RZ18 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the TS2 and RZ18.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax RZ18 to show extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older TS2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.