Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax RZ18

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax RZ18, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very well matched and they use the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The ZR3 was released 19 months earlier than the RZ18 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZR3 scores versus the RZ18 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 offers outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the ZR3 and the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and RZ18 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and RZ18.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Pentax RZ18 to give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.