Pentax 645D vs Pentax RZ18

Below is a extended analysis of the Pentax 645D and Pentax RZ18, one being a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Pentax. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the 645D (40MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the 645D (Medium format) and RZ18 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The 645D was introduced 18 months earlier than the RZ18 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the 645D grades against the RZ18 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax 645D and Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax 645D Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax 645D comes with outside measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") accompanied by a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Pentax 645D and Pentax RZ18 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the 645D vs the RZ18.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the 645D and RZ18 is 50 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 645D and RZ18.

As you can tell, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 645D having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax 645D will produce greater detail using its extra 24 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older 645D will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.