Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230
92 Imaging
37 Features
31 Overall
34


95 Imaging
34 Features
25 Overall
30
Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-280mm (F3.2-5.9) lens
- 178g - 97 x 61 x 33mm
- Released July 2011
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 30-120mm (F2.8-5.8) lens
- 156g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
- Released February 2009

Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Overview
In this article, we are comparing the Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ10 (14MP) and the W230 (12MP) is very comparable and they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The RZ10 was brought out 2 years after the W230 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick summation of how the RZ10 matches up vs the W230 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ10 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The entire galleries are available at Pentax RZ10 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax RZ10 over the Sony W230
RZ10 | W230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2011 | ![]() | February 2009 | Newer by 30 months |
Reasons to pick Sony W230 over the Pentax RZ10
W230 | RZ10 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Pentax RZ10 and Sony W230
RZ10 | W230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | No Touch friendly display |
Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax RZ10 has outer dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony W230 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).
Check the Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the RZ10 compared to the W230.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RZ10 and W230 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing a spec sheet. The image below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ10 and W230.
Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Pentax RZ10 to show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer RZ10 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.

Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax RZ10 vs Sony W230 Specifications
Pentax Optio RZ10 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Optio RZ10 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2011-07-19 | 2009-02-17 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-280mm (10.0x) | 30-120mm (4.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/3.2-5.9 | f/2.8-5.8 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | 4cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Screen tech | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4s | 1s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 2.80 m | 3.90 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 178 gr (0.39 pounds) | 156 gr (0.34 pounds) |
Dimensions | 97 x 61 x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 178 shots | - |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | D-LI92 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $200 | $180 |