Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170
92 Imaging
33 Features
35 Overall
33


99 Imaging
38 Features
20 Overall
30
Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-300mm (F3.5-5.6) lens
- 206g - 102 x 58 x 29mm
- Revealed June 2010
(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
- Released January 2011

Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Overview
Its time to take a more detailed look at the Ricoh CX3 versus Samsung PL170, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Ricoh and Samsung. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the CX3 (10MP) and PL170 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The CX3 was unveiled 6 months prior to the PL170 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.
Before delving through a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the CX3 grades vs the PL170 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX3 and Samsung PL170. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX3 Gallery and Samsung PL170 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Ricoh CX3 over the Samsung PL170
CX3 | PL170 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+690k dot) |
Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Ricoh CX3
PL170 | CX3 |
---|
Common features in the Ricoh CX3 and Samsung PL170
CX3 | PL170 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2010 | ![]() | January 2011 | Similar generation |
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly screen |
Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Physical Comparison
When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX3 offers exterior measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Samsung PL170 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).
Compare the Ricoh CX3 versus Samsung PL170 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the CX3 compared to the PL170.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the CX3 and PL170 is 92 and 99 respectively.

Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the CX3 and PL170.
Clearly, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Samsung PL170 to offer more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively.

Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Ricoh CX3 vs Samsung PL170 Specifications
Ricoh CX3 | Samsung PL170 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Ricoh | Samsung |
Model | Ricoh CX3 | Samsung PL170 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Ultracompact |
Revealed | 2010-06-16 | 2011-01-05 |
Physical type | Compact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Smooth Imaging Engine IV | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2 | - |
Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | - |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-300mm (10.7x) | () |
Max aperture | f/3.5-5.6 | - |
Macro focus distance | 1cm | - |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 920 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8 secs | 8 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 4.00 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 206 grams (0.45 pounds) | - |
Dimensions | 102 x 58 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | DB-100 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10 or Custom) | - |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card, Internal | - |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $329 | $175 |