Pentax RZ10 vs Sony RX10

Lets take a deeper look at the Pentax RZ10 and Sony RX10, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the RZ10 (14MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the RZ10 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The RZ10 was revealed 3 years prior to the RX10 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the RZ10 scores versus the RX10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ10 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ10 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ10 features external dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony RX10 has dimensions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Compare the Pentax RZ10 and Sony RX10 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the RZ10 compared to the RX10.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the RZ10 and RX10 is 92 and 58 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ10 and RX10.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The RZ10 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX10 will result in greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older RZ10 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.