Pentax RZ18 vs Pentax Q7

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Pentax RZ18 and Pentax Q7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and Q7 (12MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and Q7 (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The RZ18 was released 23 months earlier than the Q7 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a short introduction of how the RZ18 scores versus the Q7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Pentax Q7. The complete galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Pentax Q7 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ18 offers external measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax Q7 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Pentax RZ18 and Pentax Q7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the RZ18 compared to the Q7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and Q7 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and Q7.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax RZ18 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older RZ18 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.