Pentax K-5 vs Pentax RZ18

On this page, we are looking at the Pentax K-5 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Pentax. The resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very well matched but the K-5 (APS-C) and RZ18 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The K-5 was launched 8 months prior to the RZ18 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the K-5 matches up versus the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-5 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K-5 has external dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has specifications 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 Pentax K-5 versus Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the K-5 compared to the RZ18.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the K-5 and RZ18 is 60 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the K-5 and RZ18.

Clearly, the two cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The K-5 features the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier. The more aged K-5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.