Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ18

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic ZS3 versus Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RZ18 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the RZ18 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS3 matches up against the RZ18 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 features outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS3 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS3 and the RZ18.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and RZ18 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS3 and RZ18.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Pentax RZ18 to result in greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.