Pentax RZ18 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Let's take a closer look at the Pentax RZ18 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The RZ18 was launched around the same time to the GR Digital IV which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the RZ18 scores against the GR Digital IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The complete galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax RZ18 provides physical dimensions 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 Ricoh GR Digital IV has proportions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Pentax RZ18 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the RZ18 and the GR Digital IV.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the RZ18 and GR Digital IV is 92 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and GR Digital IV.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively.