Pentax RZ18 vs Sony A560

Below, we will be analyzing the Pentax RZ18 and Sony A560, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the A560 (14MP) is relatively close but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The RZ18 was brought out 13 months after the A560 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the RZ18 scores against the A560 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax RZ18 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Sony A560 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check the Pentax RZ18 and Sony A560 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the RZ18 vs the A560.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and A560 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions just by researching a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and A560.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The RZ18 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax RZ18 will render greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer RZ18 will have a benefit in sensor technology.