• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax RZ18 advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • More telephoto lens reach
    450 mm vs 288 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Pentax RZ18

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 36 mm
    Thinner
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Pentax RZ18
Panasonic ZS8
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster shutter
Panasonic SZ8
Panasonic ZS8
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon S9100

Pentax RZ18
Nikon S9100
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S9100
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony H90

Pentax RZ18
Sony H90
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
Panasonic SZ8
Sony H90
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon S6400

Pentax RZ18
Nikon S6400
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Pentax RZ18
Samsung WB50F
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
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