Pentax K-500 vs Pentax RZ18

On this page, we are contrasting the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Pentax. The resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very comparable but the K-500 (APS-C) and RZ18 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was revealed 2 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the K-500 scores versus the RZ18 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-500 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K-500 has outer measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the K-500 and the RZ18.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-500 and RZ18 is 64 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out technical specs. The pic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-500 and RZ18.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor sizes. The K-500 contains the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The newer K-500 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.