Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly similar and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was brought out 2 years later than the RZ18 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS40 scores versus the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS40 provides physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax RZ18 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS40 versus the RZ18.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and RZ18 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS40 and RZ18.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but different resolution. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to deliver greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ZS40 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.