Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX1

Following is a detailed comparison of the Pentax RZ18 and Sony RX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the RZ18 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the RZ18 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) provide different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The RZ18 was unveiled 17 months earlier than the RX1 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the RZ18 matches up against the RX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax RZ18 enjoys external measurements 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 RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax RZ18 and Sony RX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the RZ18 against the RX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RZ18 and RX1 is 92 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The pic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and RX1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The RZ18 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony RX1 will give more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.