Pentax RZ18 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here, we will be analyzing the Pentax RZ18 versus Pentax ist DL2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are produced by Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) have different sensor measurements.

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The RZ18 was launched 5 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the RZ18 matches up against the ist DL2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Pentax ist DL2. The complete galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax RZ18 offers outer measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax ist DL2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

See the Pentax RZ18 versus Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the RZ18 and the ist DL2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and ist DL2 is 92 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax RZ18 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern RZ18 provides an advantage in sensor tech.