Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX100

The following is a extended analysis of the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The RZ18 was announced 11 months prior to the RX100 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the RZ18 scores against the RX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are available at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ18 offers external 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 RX100 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the RZ18 against the RX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and RX100 is 92 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specs. The picture underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and RX100.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The RZ18 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX100 will give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.