Kodak Z981 vs Samsung TL500

On this page, we are evaluating the Kodak Z981 and Samsung TL500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Kodak and Samsung. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the Z981 (14MP) and TL500 (10MP) and the Z981 (1/2.3") and TL500 (1/1.7") have different sensor size.

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The Z981 was brought out within a month of the TL500 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Kodak Z981 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung TL500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the Z981 grades versus the TL500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Kodak EasyShare Z981 and Samsung TL500. The entire galleries are viewable at Kodak Z981 Gallery and Samsung TL500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Kodak Z981 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Samsung TL500 has dimensions of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs).

Take a look at the Kodak Z981 and Samsung TL500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the Z981 and the TL500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the Z981 and TL500 is 66 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the Z981 and TL500.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The Z981 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Kodak Z981 will give more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively.