Pentax K-3 vs Pentax RZ18

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax K-3 versus Pentax RZ18, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The K-3 was announced 2 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the K-3 scores vs the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-3 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-3 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 has got external dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-3 versus Pentax RZ18 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the K-3 compared to the RZ18.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and RZ18 is 59 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through specifications. The image underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-3 and RZ18.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-3 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax K-3 will render greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger K-3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.