Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A9

Below is a extended overview of the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony A9, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and A9 (24MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The RZ18 was announced 6 years earlier than the A9 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the RZ18 scores against the A9 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Alpha A9. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 has outside 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 A9 has sizing of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") with a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Check out the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony A9 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the RZ18 vs the A9.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and A9 is 92 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and A9.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A9 will result in greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older RZ18 will be behind in sensor technology.