Pentax RZ18 vs Sony ZV-1

Let's look a little more closely at the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony ZV-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the RZ18 (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is very similar but the RZ18 (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The RZ18 was manufactured 9 years prior to the ZV-1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the RZ18 matches up against the ZV-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ18 and Sony ZV-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ18 Gallery and Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ18 features exterior dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony ZV-1 has sizing of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax RZ18 vs Sony ZV-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the RZ18 and the ZV-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the RZ18 and ZV-1 is 92 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by reviewing technical specs. The picture here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ18 and ZV-1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The RZ18 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony ZV-1 will deliver more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged RZ18 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.