Pentax RZ18 vs Sony HX1

In this write-up, we are comparing the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The RZ18 was launched 2 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the RZ18 grades vs the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 provides physical measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony HX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the RZ18 against the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer RZ18 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.