Pentax RZ18 vs Samsung NX30

Following is a thorough comparison of the Pentax RZ18 and Samsung NX30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Pentax and Samsung. The resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the NX30 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The RZ18 was manufactured 3 years prior to the NX30 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a short view of how the RZ18 matches up versus the NX30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Samsung NX30. The entire galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Samsung NX30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 has got exterior measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX30 has sizing of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") having a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax RZ18 and Samsung NX30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the RZ18 against the NX30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and NX30 is 92 and 75 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The image here may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the RZ18 and NX30.

As you can see, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The RZ18 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX30 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.