Pentax RZ18
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 178g - 97 x 61 x 33mm
- Launched September 2011
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
92 Imaging
39 Features
37 Overall
38
Pentax RZ18 overview
Pentax RZ18 is Pentax's Small Sensor Superzoom camera initially launched on September of 2011. The camera uses a 16MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.
The RZ18 is ranked #162 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #783 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to check out our Advanced camera filter to get camera ratings based on your custom requirements.
Below is a chart of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.
Pentax RZ18 family
The Pentax RZ18 comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can discover all earlier and most recent models along with key features.
F3.5-5.916MP1/2.3"2011
Pentax RZ18 Gallery
You can look at the RZ18 from different angles in the gallery here.
Pentax RZ18 Pros and Cons
Here is a collection of advantages and drawbacks of the Pentax RZ18 based on factors which are typically viewed as essential in a camera.
Pentax RZ18 Sensor features
The sensor spec on the Pentax RZ18 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter may cause cropping.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe CCD sensor boasts 16MP and supports a native ISO range of 80 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW format is not saved which means that the user has less margin for error.
The image underneath displays the RZ18's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The RZ18 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is shown in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Pentax RZ18 dimensions
Pentax RZ18 is 0.39 pounds (178 grams / 6.28 oz) and the physical size of the camera is 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams and the Pentax RZ18 is lighter as compared with various competitors.
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banUnderneath is a image of the Pentax RZ18 with a softdrink to help you to have a sense of its size.
The top view just below will provide the button arrangement on the RZ18.
Pentax RZ18 Lens features
The RZ18 offers an inbuilt lens having a focal range of 25-450mm making it a 18.0 x zoom which is amazing and will make it easier to zoom all the way in.
At it's widest 25mm, it will have an aperture of f3.5 which will be somewhat sluggish and not the best in low light circumstances and you will find it difficult to capture a shallow depth of field. You would also have to raise your ISO setting resulting in noisy files. On the long end, 450mm is terrific zoom and comes to f5.9 which is really slow and you will have to go with slow shutter speeds.
Pentax RZ18 Connectivity
The RZ18 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily send photos and at times change camera settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
Many apps also stream a Liveview and click the shutter when you aren't near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external screen. Many cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB socket.
Pentax RZ18 Video features
The maximum video quality on the Pentax RZ18 is 1280 x 720 and it can record in Motion JPEG format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should really go for at least 1080p quality for video recording. The body doesn't feature a mic and headphone jack which means you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is perhaps best to order another model if you want better audio in your video clips.
Pentax RZ18 Weather Sealing
Pentax RZ18 comes with environment sealing which makes it a good candidate to use in rough environments. This can be especially useful any time you are uncertain about the conditions you might face in outdoor photography.
Pentax RZ18 Display and Viewfinder
The Pentax RZ18 houses a 3 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 460 thousand dots.
Please be aware that the display offers no touch support.
Photography GlossaryThe ViewFinder details regarding Pentax RZ18 are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and tough to view, viewfinders are pretty helpful.
Pentax RZ18 Shutter features
Pentax RZ18 continuous shooting rate is 1.0 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000s.
Pentax RZ18 Flash and Hot shoe features
Pentax RZ18 boasts just built-in flash lacking external flash ability.
Pentax RZ18 Autofocus features
Pentax RZ18 boasts only Contrast Detect Autofocus and is missing Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is more quicker & precise as compared with Contrast Detect focusing.
The Sensor boasts 9 focus points to select from. It also features Tracking Autofocus for objects that move. Pentax RZ18 can use manual focus if required in low light occasions or you need to have more accurate focus control.
Pentax RZ18 Battery life
The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the highest possible (600) battery life in this category of cameras.
Following is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the highest battery life:
Pentax RZ18 for specific kinds of photography
The following chart displays a summation of the Pentax RZ18 for specific kinds of photography. To view more, have a look at the specific section underneath.
Pentax RZ18 Portrait photography details
The Pentax RZ18 has a points tally of 36 which is horrible, and means the camera is not suitable for portrait images. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor specs, RAW support together with the capability to use external lighting.
Pentax RZ18 as a Street photography camera
With a nice points tally of 65, the Pentax RZ18 is a good choice for street photography. A good street photography camera comes with a good balance of picture quality and portability.
Pentax RZ18 Sports photography advice
A modest sports photography points total of 47 indicates the Pentax RZ18 is relatively acceptable for photographing sports. A camera needs fantastic tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Pentax RZ18 as a Travel photography camera
Weight is very critical when selecting a camera for travel. In general, the Pentax RZ18 gets a above average 71 as a travelling camera which is a respectable fit to purchase for your holidays.
Landscape photography with Pentax RZ18
For anyone planning to buy a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most significant factor will be image quality. The Pentax RZ18 and it's modest score of 49 as a landscape camera is somewhat adequate compared to its competitors.
Pentax RZ18 Vlogging info
A vlogging camera preferably should have a articulating display screen, microphone port and ideally image stabilization. Taking all things into account, the Pentax RZ18 is not suitable as a vlog camera as it receives a horrible score of 30.
Pentax RZ18 Alternatives
If you are looking for replacements to the RZ18, here is a list of the top ranked cameras that fall into the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.
The graph just below shows you a bird's eye view of the RZ18 versus it's top ranked competitors listed earlier.
There are more cameras you may look into as alternatives. To go through a full comparison, just click on the "compare" link.