Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170
91 Imaging
35 Features
43 Overall
38
99 Imaging
38 Features
20 Overall
30
Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-392mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 223g - 106 x 62 x 33mm
- Released July 2011
- Replaced the Canon SX210 IS
- Updated by Canon SX240 HS
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 0 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- ()mm (F) lens
- n/ag - 95 x 57 x 19mm
- Launched January 2011
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In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Canon and Samsung. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and PL170 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe SX230 HS was revealed 7 months after the PL170 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.
Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the SX230 HS matches up versus the PL170 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Samsung PL170. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Samsung PL170 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX230 HS over the Samsung PL170
| SX230 HS | PL170 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | July 2011 | January 2011 | More modern by 7 months | |
| Focus manually | Very precise focus | |||
| Screen resolution | 461k | 230k | Clearer screen (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Canon SX230 HS
| PL170 | SX230 HS |
|---|
Common features in the Canon SX230 HS and Samsung PL170
| SX230 HS | PL170 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Screen sizing | 3" | 3" | Equivalent screen measurements | |
| Selfie screen | Neither comes with selfie screen | |||
| Touch screen | Neither comes with Touch screen |
Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX230 HS comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Samsung PL170 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).
Look at the Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SX230 HS versus the PL170.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX230 HS and PL170 is 91 and 99 respectively.
Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and PL170.
As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Samsung PL170 to deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern SX230 HS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.
Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 Screen and ViewFinder
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Canon SX230 HS vs Samsung PL170 Specifications
| Canon PowerShot SX230 HS | Samsung PL170 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Canon | Samsung |
| Model type | Canon PowerShot SX230 HS | Samsung PL170 |
| Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Ultracompact |
| Released | 2011-07-19 | 2011-01-05 |
| Physical type | Compact | Ultracompact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | - |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
| Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | - |
| Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | - |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | 9 | - |
| Cross type focus points | - | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 28-392mm (14.0x) | () |
| Largest aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | - |
| Macro focusing distance | 5cm | - |
| Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen diagonal | 3" | 3" |
| Screen resolution | 461k dots | 230k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Screen technology | PureColor II TG TFT LCD | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 8 secs |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/2000 secs |
| Continuous shooting rate | 3.0 frames/s | - |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 3.50 m | - |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | - |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps) | 1280 x 720 |
| Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video data format | H.264 | - |
| Mic port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 223 grams (0.49 pounds) | - |
| Dimensions | 106 x 62 x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 210 images | - |
| Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery ID | NB-5L | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | - |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus | - |
| Card slots | One | One |
| Cost at launch | $399 | $175 |