Samsung PL120 vs Sony A290

Here, we are looking at the Samsung PL120 and Sony A290, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the PL120 (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the PL120 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The PL120 was unveiled 7 months after the A290 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the PL120 matches up versus the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL120 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL120 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL120 has got external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Look at the Samsung PL120 and Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the PL120 against the A290.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PL120 and A290 is 99 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The picture here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the PL120 and A290.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The PL120 includes the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF more challenging. The younger PL120 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.