Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX10 II

Below is a in-depth overview of the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX10 II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the RX10 II (20MP) is relatively similar but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and RX10 II (1") offer totally different sensor size.

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The RZ18 was introduced 4 years prior to the RX10 II and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the RZ18 grades vs the RX10 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony RX10 II Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ18 has got external measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Sony RX10 II has dimensions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX10 II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the RZ18 against the RX10 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the RZ18 and RX10 II is 92 and 58 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by reviewing specifications. The graphic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and RX10 II.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The RZ18 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 II will deliver more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The older RZ18 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.