Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A550

Let's take a more detailed look at the Pentax RZ18 and Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is relatively similar but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The RZ18 was unveiled 22 months after the A550 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the RZ18 scores versus the A550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 has got outer 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 Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax RZ18 and Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the RZ18 against the A550.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over specifications. The picture here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ18 and A550.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The RZ18 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax RZ18 will offer greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent RZ18 should have a benefit in sensor technology.