Samsung NX20 vs Samsung PL170

Its time to take a deeper look at the Samsung NX20 versus Samsung PL170, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are manufactured by Samsung. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the NX20 (20MP) and PL170 (16MP) and the NX20 (APS-C) and PL170 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The NX20 was brought out 16 months after the PL170 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung NX20 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the NX20 grades against the PL170 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung NX20 and Samsung PL170. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung NX20 Gallery and Samsung PL170 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Samsung NX20 enjoys physical measurements of 122mm x 90mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.6") and a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Samsung PL170 has proportions 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).

See the Samsung NX20 versus Samsung PL170 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the NX20 against the PL170.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the NX20 and PL170 is 83 and 99 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specs. The image below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the NX20 and PL170.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NX20 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Samsung NX20 will give you greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern NX20 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.