Pentax RZ18 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below, we are evaluating the Pentax RZ18 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are built by Pentax. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

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The RZ18 was launched 6 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the RZ18 scores versus the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax RZ18 features exterior dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Examine the Pentax RZ18 and Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the RZ18 versus the ist DS2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and ist DS2 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ18 and ist DS2.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The RZ18 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax RZ18 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The younger RZ18 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.