Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SX30 IS and Pentax RZ18 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX30 IS has external dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25″) and weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) (including batteries). Pentax RZ18 has external dimensions of 97 x 61 x 33 mm (3.82 x 2.4 x 1.3″) and weighs 178 g (0.39 lb / 6.28 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX30 IS and the Pentax RZ18. Pentax RZ18 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 26mm narrower, 31mm shorter and 75mm thinner than Canon SX30 IS.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Pentax RZ18 is significantly lighter (423g ) than the Canon SX30 IS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the RZ18, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the SX30 IS.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Pentax RZ18's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SX30 IS's 2.7" screen.
On the other hand, Canon SX30 IS sports a
Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. On the other hand, Pentax RZ18 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX30 IS.