Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX10 IV

Following is a in-depth review of the Pentax RZ18 and Sony RX10 IV, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the RX10 IV (20MP) is pretty close but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The RZ18 was released 7 years before the RX10 IV which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the RZ18 matches up versus the RX10 IV in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 features exterior dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 IV has sizing of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") accompanied by a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Check out the Pentax RZ18 and Sony RX10 IV in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the RZ18 compared to the RX10 IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and RX10 IV is 92 and 52 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through specifications. The pic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and RX10 IV.

Plainly, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The RZ18 due to its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX10 IV will render extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.