Canon SX120 IS vs Samsung PL170

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Canon SX120 IS and Samsung PL170, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Canon and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and PL170 (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and PL170 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The SX120 IS was released 16 months prior to the PL170 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX120 IS being a Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SX120 IS matches up versus the PL170 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Samsung PL170. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Samsung PL170 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS has outside dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") and a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Samsung PL170 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

See the Canon SX120 IS and Samsung PL170 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SX120 IS against the PL170.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX120 IS and PL170 is 87 and 99 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX120 IS and PL170.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX120 IS because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung PL170 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.