Pentax K-x vs Pentax RZ18

On this page, we are reviewing the Pentax K-x vs Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the K-x (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the K-x (APS-C) and RZ18 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The K-x was manufactured 20 months before the RZ18 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the K-x grades versus the RZ18 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-x and Pentax Optio RZ18. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-x Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K-x provides physical measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) and the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-x vs Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the K-x compared to the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-x and RZ18 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The visual underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-x and RZ18.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-x featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax RZ18 will give you more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older K-x is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.