Samsung PL120 vs Sony A9

Below is a extended review of the Samsung PL120 and Sony A9, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Samsung and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the PL120 (14MP) and A9 (24MP) and the PL120 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The PL120 was revealed 7 years earlier than the A9 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the PL120 scores against the A9 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL120 and Sony Alpha A9. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL120 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL120 has physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony A9 has proportions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") along with a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Examine the Samsung PL120 and Sony A9 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the PL120 compared to the A9.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the PL120 and A9 is 99 and 65 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by researching technical specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the PL120 and A9.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The PL120 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A9 will render extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older PL120 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.