Pentax RZ18 vs Sony RX100 III

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony RX100 III, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is very similar but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The RZ18 was unveiled 3 years before the RX100 III which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the RZ18 matches up vs the RX100 III when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ18 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ18 Gallery & Sony RX100 III Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 comes with outside 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) whilst the Sony RX100 III has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Check out the Pentax RZ18 versus Sony RX100 III in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the RZ18 versus the RX100 III.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the RZ18 and RX100 III is 92 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the RZ18 and RX100 III.

As you can tell, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The RZ18 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX100 III will offer more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.