Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax RZ18

Below, we will be analyzing the Pentax K-S2 versus Pentax RZ18, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the K-S2 (20MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the K-S2 (APS-C) and RZ18 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The K-S2 was unveiled 3 years after the RZ18 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the K-S2 grades against the RZ18 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-S2 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K-S2 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-S2 comes with outer dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs) while 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).

Check the Pentax K-S2 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-S2 against the RZ18.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-S2 and RZ18 is 64 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through specifications. The picture underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-S2 and RZ18.

Plainly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The K-S2 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax K-S2 will produce more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher K-S2 provides an edge in sensor innovation.