Ricoh GR vs Samsung PL170

Following is a thorough comparison of the Ricoh GR and Samsung PL170, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Ricoh and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the GR (16MP) and the PL170 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the GR (APS-C) and PL170 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GR was announced 2 years after the PL170 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the GR grades against the PL170 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR and Samsung PL170. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh GR Gallery and Samsung PL170 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR features external measurements of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Samsung PL170 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh GR and Samsung PL170 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the GR and the PL170.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GR and PL170 is 90 and 99 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GR and PL170.

As you can see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The GR has the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier. The more modern GR is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.