Canon SX420 IS vs Samsung PL170

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Canon SX420 IS and Samsung PL170, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Canon and Samsung. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and PL170 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX420 IS was launched 5 years after the PL170 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX420 IS grades vs the PL170 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS & Samsung PL170. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX420 IS Gallery & Samsung PL170 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX420 IS has got outer dimensions of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while 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).

Look at the Canon SX420 IS and Samsung PL170 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SX420 IS versus the PL170.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX420 IS and PL170 is 80 and 99 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX420 IS and PL170.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Canon SX420 IS to offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The fresher SX420 IS will have a benefit in sensor technology.