Canon SD780 IS vs Samsung PL170

Its time to look closer at the Canon SD780 IS vs Samsung PL170, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Canon and Samsung. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SD780 IS (12MP) and PL170 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SD780 IS was introduced 22 months before the PL170 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SD780 IS matches up against the PL170 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD780 IS & Samsung PL170. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SD780 IS Gallery & Samsung PL170 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SD780 IS features outside dimensions of 87mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Samsung PL170 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Check out the Canon SD780 IS vs Samsung PL170 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the SD780 IS versus the PL170.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SD780 IS and PL170 is 96 and 99 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at specifications. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SD780 IS and PL170.

To sum up, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Samsung PL170 to give greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older SD780 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.