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Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Comparison

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Camera to replace
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Pentax RZ18

16 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Pentax RZ18
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Fujifilm X30

12 MP | 2/3 CMOS X-TRANS II Sensor

Fujifilm X30
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Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing RZ18 and X30, two Compact cameras from Pentax and Fujifilm. Pentax Optio RZ18 is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera and Fujifilm X30 is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Pentax RZ18 was introduced to market in September 2011 and Fujifilm X30 was launched in August 2014. As you can see, RZ18 is 3 years older than X30. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Pentax RZ18 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-09-12
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 178g. 97 x 61 x 33 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Fujifilm X30 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-08-26
  • 12MP - CMOS X-TRANS II Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 28-112 mm F2.0-2.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Tilting Screen
  • 2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 12.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 423g. 119 x 72 x 60 mm
  • Replaced Fujifilm X20 Compare

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Pentax Optio RZ18 over Fujifilm X30
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Weight
178 g vs 423 g 245 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 28mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
450mm vs 112mm 338 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
18× vs 4� more flexible focal coverage
CHECK RZ18 PRICE


Reasons to choose Fujifilm X30 over Pentax Optio RZ18
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs Eye-Fi Connected Better connectivity
LCD Screen
Tilting vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max ISO
12.800 vs 6.400 100% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points
49 vs 9 40 more focus points
LCD Screen Resolution
920k dots vs 460k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
12.0fps vs 1.0fps 11 fps faster
Manual Exposure
Yes vs No better exposure control
Microphone Port
Yes vs No High quality audio recording option
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Max Aperture - Wide
2.00 vs 3.50 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
2.80 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
7.0m vs 2.8m 4.2m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
4.84µm2 vs 1.74µm2 178% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone
CHECK X30 PRICE

Common Strengths of Pentax Optio RZ18 and Fujifilm X30
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Common Weaknesses of Pentax Optio RZ18 and Fujifilm X30
Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. 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). Fujifilm X30 has external dimensions of 119 x 72 x 60 mm (4.69 x 2.83 x 2.36″) and weighs 423 g (0.93 lb / 14.92 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30. Pentax RZ18 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 22mm narrower, 11mm shorter and 27mm thinner than Fujifilm X30.

Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30.

Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30.
Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 Size

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 (245g ) than the Fujifilm X30 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

With its weather sealed body, we believe that RZ18 has a big advantage over X30 which doesn't provide any kind of environmental sealing.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

On the other hand, Fujifilm X30 features a Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels whereas the Pentax RZ18 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to X30.
Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30: Sensor Comparison

Pentax RZ18 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Fujifilm X30 has a 12.0MP (2/ ) sized CMOS X-TRANS II sensor and features EXR Processor II processor.

Below you can see the RZ18 and X30 sensor size comparison.

Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 Cameras


As seen above, Pentax RZ18 has a 0.0x Larger sensor area than Fujifilm X30. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30 Lens Specs Comparison

Pentax RZ18 features a 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lens whereas Fujifilm X30 features a 28-112 mm F2.0-2.8 4� zoom lens.

Pentax RZ18 has 3mm wider coverage than the Fujifilm X30. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.00, Fujifilm X30 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Pentax RZ18 has 338mm longer reach than the Fujifilm X30. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Fujifilm X30 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

RZ18
X30
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Pentax RZ18 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X30 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 2/3 sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Pentax RZ18 for Street Photography

GOOD

Fujifilm X30 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 2/3 sensor
Read the details

Pentax RZ18 for Sports Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X30 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
450 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
112 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Pentax RZ18 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Fujifilm X30 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
178g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 2/3 sensor
423g
Body Thickness 60mm
Read the details

Pentax RZ18 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X30 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 2/3 sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Pentax RZ18 vs Fujifilm X30: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Pentax RZ18 and Fujifilm X30 scores compare:

Pentax RZ18
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #283 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #923 out of 1242 in all Cameras
Fujifilm X30
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #2 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #251 out of 1242 in all Cameras

Fujifilm X30 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Pentax RZ18 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Pentax RZ18. Otherwise, Fujifilm X30 is the better camera overall.

Pentax RZ18
Pentax RZ18
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Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X30
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Fujifilm X30 vs Pentax RZ18 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Pentax Optio RZ18 Fujifilm X30
Brand Pentax Fujifilm
Announced 2011-09-12 2014-08-26
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CMOS X-TRANS II
Size 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm 2/
Area 27.72mm2 0.00mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-450 mm (18×) 28-112 mm (4�)
Max Aperture F3.5-5.9 F2.0-2.8
Macro Focus Range 4cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Tilting
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 460k dots 920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder 2,360k dots
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 100%
Viewfinder Magnification n/a 0.65x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 2.80 m 7.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 12.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 178g 423g
Dimensions 97 x 61 x 33mm 119 x 72 x 60mm
Battery Life n/a 470 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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