Samsung PL120 vs Sony HX80

Below is a thorough comparison of the Samsung PL120 and Sony HX80, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the PL120 (14MP) and HX80 (18MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The PL120 was released 6 years before the HX80 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the PL120 scores against the HX80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung PL120 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung PL120 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL120 comes with external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL120 and Sony HX80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the PL120 against the HX80.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the PL120 and HX80 is 99 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the PL120 and HX80.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony HX80 to give you extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older PL120 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.