Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Samsung PL120

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Samsung PL120, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the PL120 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was announced 24 months before the PL120 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SP-590 UZ scores vs the PL120 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Samsung PL120. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Samsung PL120 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has got outside dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Samsung PL120 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Samsung PL120 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the PL120.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and PL120 is 72 and 99 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The visual below may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and PL120.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Samsung PL120 to deliver more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.