Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax RZ18

The following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax RZ18, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the ZS100 (1") and RZ18 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was revealed 4 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the ZS100 matches up against the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 features external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has measurements 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 ZS100 and Pentax RZ18 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS100 and the RZ18.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and RZ18 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specs. The picture here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS100 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will show greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger ZS100 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.