Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A7R IV

On this page, we will be matching up the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony A7R IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and A7R IV (61MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and A7R IV (Full frame) boast totally different sensor size.

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The RZ18 was revealed 8 years before the A7R IV and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony A7R IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the RZ18 matches up versus the A7R IV in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Alpha A7R IV. The full galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony A7R IV Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ18 provides 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 Sony A7R IV has dimensions of 129mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 665 grams (1.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony A7R IV in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the RZ18 vs the A7R IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the RZ18 and A7R IV is 92 and 62 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The photograph below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ18 and A7R IV.

All in all, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The RZ18 using its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony A7R IV will give extra detail because of its extra 45MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older RZ18 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.