• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax RZ18 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $420 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    190g vs 250g
    Lighter weight

Sony HX30V advantages over Pentax RZ18

  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax RZ18
Pentax RZ-18
All RZ18 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX30V

Review Excerpt

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

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

Compare Pentax RZ18 vs Panasonic ZS8

Sony HX30V
Panasonic ZS8
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony HX30V vs Panasonic ZS8

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

Compare Pentax RZ18 vs Nikon S9100

Sony HX30V
Nikon S9100
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Sony HX10V

Pentax RZ18
Sony HX10V
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax RZ18 vs Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Pentax RZ18
Sony HX20V
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax RZ18 vs Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

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

Compare Pentax RZ18 vs Sony H90

Sony HX30V
Sony H90
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony H90

Compare Other Cameras?