Panasonic FX48 vs Samsung PL170

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic FX48 and Samsung PL170, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Panasonic and Samsung. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the FX48 (12MP) and PL170 (16MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The FX48 was released 23 months earlier than the PL170 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FX48 matches up versus the PL170 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 & Samsung PL170. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX48 Gallery & Samsung PL170 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX48 provides exterior measurements of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Samsung PL170 has sizing 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).

Check the Panasonic FX48 and Samsung PL170 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the FX48 and the PL170.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FX48 and PL170 is 95 and 99 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through technical specs. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FX48 and PL170.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Samsung PL170 to render extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older FX48 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.