Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax RZ18, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS5 was brought out 15 months prior to the RZ18 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the ZS5 scores vs the RZ18 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 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).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax RZ18 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS5 compared to the RZ18.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and RZ18 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at specs. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can expect the Pentax RZ18 to resolve more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.