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Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1

Portability
92
Imaging
39
Features
37
Overall
38
Pentax Optio RZ18 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1 front
Portability
94
Imaging
39
Features
34
Overall
37

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Key Specs

Pentax RZ18
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 178g - 97 x 61 x 33mm
  • Released September 2011
Sony TF1
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-100mm (F3.6-4.7) lens
  • 152g - 102 x 62 x 23mm
  • Revealed June 2013
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Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Overview

The following is a thorough review of the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the TF1 (16MP) is relatively close and they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The RZ18 was unveiled 21 months before the TF1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the RZ18 matches up against the TF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Pentax RZ18 over the Sony TF1

 RZ18 TF1 
Manual focus Very precise focus
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Reasons to pick Sony TF1 over the Pentax RZ18

 TF1 RZ18 
RevealedJune 2013September 2011Newer by 21 months
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Pentax RZ18 and Sony TF1

 RZ18 TF1 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution460k460kExact same screen resolution
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Physical Comparison

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax RZ18 offers physical 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 TF1 has specifications of 102mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the RZ18 against the TF1.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the RZ18 and TF1 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 top view buttons comparison

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Sensor Comparison

Often, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specifications. The picture underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the RZ18 and TF1.

Plainly, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same resolution and you should expect comparable quality of pictures although you should always consider the production date of the cameras into account. The more aged RZ18 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 sensor size comparison

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax RZ18 as a Portrait photography camera
Sony TF1 as a Portrait photography camera
36
focusing manually
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
manual exposure not possible
no external flash support
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
34
megapixel count decent (16MP)
supports face detection autofocus
lack of manual focus
manual mode not possible
external flash not possible
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
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Street Comparison

Pentax RZ18 Street photography highlights
Sony TF1 Street photography highlights
65
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
environment proof
lighter than competition (178g)
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
69
image stabilization (Optical)
offers touch focus
environment proofing
lighter than competition (152g)
fixed screen
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Pentax RZ18
Sports photography with Sony TF1
47
incredible zoom range (25-450mm 18.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16MP)
has tracking focus
environment proof
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
41
image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
supports tracking autofocus
environment proofing
max frames per second low (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
terrible battery power (240 CIPA)
lacks phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Pentax RZ18 Travel photography highlights
Sony TF1 Travel photography highlights
71
lighter than competition (178g)
environment proof
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
pretty wide (25mm)
great zoom (450mm)
doesn't have Timelapse mode
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
69
lighter than competition (152g)
environment proofing
offers touch focus
megapixel count decent (16MP)
flash built-in
really wide (25mm)
lack of Timelapse mode
terrible battery power (240 per charge)
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f3.6)
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Landscape Comparison

Pentax RZ18 Landscape photography information
Sony TF1 Landscape photography information
49
focusing manually
pretty wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
environment proof
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
manual exposure not possible
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse mode
40
really wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
environment proofing
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.6)
tiny screen (2.7")
manual mode not possible
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
terrible battery power (240 shots)
lack of Timelapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax RZ18 Vlogging highlights
Sony TF1 Vlogging highlights
30
pretty wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition (178g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have microphone jack
33
really wide (25mm)
touchscreen enabled
image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection autofocus
lighter than competition (152 grams)
sluggish max aperture (f3.6)
screen is not selfie friendly
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of external microphone support
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Pentax RZ18 vs Sony TF1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax RZ18 and Sony TF1
 Pentax Optio RZ18Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1
General Information
Brand Pentax Sony
Model type Pentax Optio RZ18 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TF1
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Waterproof
Released 2011-09-12 2013-06-21
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 6400 3200
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW support
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 9 -
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-450mm (18.0x) 25-100mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.5-5.9 f/3.6-4.7
Macro focusing range 4cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 2.7 inch
Screen resolution 460k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen tech TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating TFT LCD display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 4s 2s
Highest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/2000s
Continuous shooting rate 1.0fps 1.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 2.80 m 3.90 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, Advanced Flash
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 178 gr (0.39 pounds) 152 gr (0.34 pounds)
Dimensions 97 x 61 x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") 102 x 62 x 23mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 240 pictures
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID D-LI92 NP-BN
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Card slots 1 1
Price at launch $210 $266