Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A500

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The RZ18 was unveiled 2 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the RZ18 matches up vs the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax RZ18 offers external dimensions 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 Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the RZ18 versus the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and A500 is 92 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing specs. The graphic below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and A500.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax RZ18 will produce more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer RZ18 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.