Pentax K-r vs Pentax RZ10

Following is a detailed comparison of the Pentax K-r and Pentax RZ10, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Pentax. The image resolution of the K-r (12MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the K-r (APS-C) and RZ10 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-r was manufactured 4 months prior to the RZ10 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the K-r matches up versus the RZ10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-r and Pentax Optio RZ10. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-r Gallery and Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-r offers external dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Pentax RZ10 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).

Compare the Pentax K-r and Pentax RZ10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-r vs the RZ10.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-r and RZ10 is 67 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The picture underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-r and RZ10.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The K-r because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ10 will produce more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively.