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Pentax RZ18 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Pentax RZ18

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    Main Features

    • 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
    • 178g. 97 x 61 x 33 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax RZ18 Overview

    Launched in September 2011 , Pentax Optio RZ18 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body and 18.0x zoom 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 lens.

    Pentax RZ18 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax RZ18 is a member of Pentax's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Pentax Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Pentax XG-1
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 9.0 fps 119 x 89 x 98mm 567g
    Pentax X-5
    Compare
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 10.0 fps 119 x 86 x 107mm 595g
    Pentax VS20
    Compare
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 111 x 61 x 38mm 235g
    Pentax RZ18
    2011 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 97 x 61 x 33mm 178g
    Pentax X90
    Compare
    2010 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch fps 111 x 85 x 110mm 428g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Pentax XG-1 vs X-5 vs VS20 vs RZ18 vs X90


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Pentax RZ18 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax RZ18 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    178g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Environmental Sealing
    96 MB Internal Storage
    25mm Wide Angle Lens
    450mm Good Tele Lens
    18.0X Optical Zoom
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax RZ18 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    No Manual Exposure
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.50
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

    Report a correction


    Pentax RZ18 Physical Specs
    Pentax RZ18 weighs 178 g (0.39 lb / 6.28 oz) and has external dimensions of 97 x 61 x 33 mm (3.82 x 2.4 x 1.3″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 33mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Pentax RZ18
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Pentax RZ18
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax RZ18 with the dimensions:

    Pentax RZ18 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax RZ18 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax RZ18, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax RZ18 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax RZ18 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax RZ18 with its main competitors:

    Pentax RZ18 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs RZ18 Thickness vs RZ18
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax VS20
    Compare
    235g 57g heavier 38mm 5mm thicker
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax RZ10
    Compare
    178g equal weight 33mm equal thickness
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    391g 213g heavier 51mm 18mm thicker
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    423g 245g heavier 60mm 27mm thicker
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Olympus XZ-10
    Compare
    221g 43g heavier 34mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare
    567g 389g heavier 114mm 81mm thicker
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Canon SX220 HS
    Compare
    g 178g lighter 33mm equal thickness
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    158g 20g lighter 34mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax RZ18 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax RZ18 will serve you well.

    Pentax RZ18 Lens

    Pentax RZ18 features a 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 25mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 450mm.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    RZ18
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    RZ18
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.50 at 25mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f5.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    RZ18
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    RZ18
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    RZ18 is equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Pentax RZ18's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Pentax RZ18 Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax RZ18 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. RZ18 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 but unfortunately, Pentax RZ18 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Olympus XZ-1 in the same price range.

    Pentax RZ18 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero11 Black with its 27.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax RZ18 vs GoPro Hero11 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax RZ18's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax RZ18 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax RZ18 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Pentax RZ18 LCD

    Pentax RZ18 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Pentax RZ18 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Pentax Optio RZ18 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    RZ18 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Pentax RZ18 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Pentax RZ18 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Pentax RZ18 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax VS20
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax RZ10
    Compare
    1280 x 720 178shots No No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 290shots No No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 470shots Yes No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Olympus XZ-10
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots No No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera Canon SX220 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots No No No
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Camera GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare
    5120 x 2880 shots Yes Yes No

    Pentax RZ18 Video Features

    With Pentax RZ18, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30,15 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Pentax Optio RZ18 has a built-in Mono microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Pentax RZ18 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Pentax RZ18 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax RZ18 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately RZ18 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Pentax RZ18 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.



    What type of Photography is Pentax RZ18 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax RZ18 in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax RZ18 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax RZ18 has a score of 27 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theRZ18.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax RZ18 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax RZ18 for Street Photography

    Pentax RZ18 has a score of 61 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax RZ18 for Street Photography

    Pentax RZ18 for Sports Photography

    Pentax RZ18 has a score of 21 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theRZ18.
    Environmental Sealings
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    450 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax RZ18 for Sports Photography

    Pentax RZ18 for Daily Photography

    Pentax RZ18 has a score of 58 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    178g
    Environmental Sealings
    18.0X Optical Zoom

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax RZ18 for Daily Photography

    Pentax RZ18 for Landscape Photography

    Pentax RZ18 has a score of 22 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theRZ18.
    Manual Focus Mode
    25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Environmental Sealings
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax RZ18 for Landscape Photography
    Pentax RZ18 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax RZ18 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax RZ18 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax RZ18

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax RZ18 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax VS20
    Pentax VS20
    Compare
    Pentax RZ10
    Pentax RZ10
    Compare
    Pentax MX-1
    Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    Fujifilm X30
    Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    Olympus XZ-10
    Olympus XZ-10
    Compare
    Kodak Astro AZ651
    Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare
    Canon SX220 HS
    Canon SX220 HS
    Compare
    GoPro Hero10 Black
    GoPro Hero10 Black
    Compare

    Pentax RZ18 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax RZ18 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Pentax RZ18's price range.

    Pentax RZ18 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Pentax RZ18 has an Overall Score of 33/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax Optio RZ18 is ranked #324 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #940 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #940 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #324 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #224 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #435 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #312 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(178g)
    #612 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax RZ18
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax RZ18?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax RZ18?
    is the Pentax RZ18 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax RZ18 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax RZ18?
    What is the Weight of Pentax RZ18?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax RZ18?
    Pentax Optio RZ18 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax Optio RZ18
    Announced 2011-09-12
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 25-450 mm (18×)
    Max Aperture F3.5-5.9
    Macro Focus Range 4cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 2.80 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm
    Sensor Area 27.72mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 80
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 178g
    Physical Dimensions 97 x 61 x 33mm
    Battery Model D-LI92
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


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