Clicky

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550

Portability
99
Imaging
37
Features
20
Overall
30
Samsung PL120 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 front
Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
28
Overall
33

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Key Specs

Samsung PL120
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • ()mm (F) lens
  • n/ag - 94 x 54 x 19mm
  • Launched January 2011
Sony W550
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-104mm (F2.7-5.7) lens
  • 110g - 94 x 56 x 19mm
  • Released July 2011
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Overview

Below is a in depth overview of the Samsung PL120 and Sony W550, both Ultracompact cameras by rivals Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the PL120 (14MP) and the W550 (14MP) is pretty close and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The PL120 was revealed 6 months prior to the W550 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the PL120 grades versus the W550 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Samsung PL120 over the Sony W550

 PL120 W550 

Reasons to pick Sony W550 over the Samsung PL120

 W550 PL120 
Screen size3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Common features in the Samsung PL120 and Sony W550

 PL120 W550 
ReleasedJanuary 2011July 2011Same age
Manual focus Lack of manual focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kExact same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch screen Neither provides Touch screen

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Physical Comparison

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL120 provides exterior 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) while the Sony W550 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL120 and Sony W550 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the PL120 and the W550.

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the PL120 and W550 is 99 and 96 respectively.

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 top view buttons comparison

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the PL120 and W550.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same exact MP and you can expect comparable quality of images although you will want to consider the age of the cameras into account.

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 sensor size comparison

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Cutting-edge AI developed by Apple deciphers subtle nuances in pixels

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung PL120 Portrait photography highlights
Sony W550 Portrait photography highlights
28
megapixel count good (14MP)
manual focus not available
no manual mode
external flash not possible
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
28
decent MP (14MP)
manual focus not available
manual exposure not available
cannot use external flash
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Street Comparison

Samsung PL120 Street photography highlights
Sony W550 Street photography highlights
49
screen does not articulate
no image stabilization
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
57
image stabilization (Optical)
no articulating screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Samsung PL120
Sports photography with Sony W550
26
megapixel count good (14 megapixels)
fixed focal length (()mm)
lack of shutter priority mode
no image stabilization
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
35
image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14 megapixels)
continuous shooting slow (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Travel Comparison

Samsung PL120 as a Travel photography camera
Sony W550 as a Travel photography camera
71
megapixel count good (14MP)
flash built-in
good maximum aperture (f)
no Time Lapse function
display is not selfie friendly
65
decent MP (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
rather wide (26mm)
missing Time Lapse function
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Landscape Comparison

Samsung PL120 Landscape photography info
Sony W550 Landscape photography info
33
good maximum aperture (f)
megapixel count good (14 megapixels)
manual focus not available
can't swap lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (()mm)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
no manual mode
no image stabilization
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
no Time Lapse function
42
rather wide (26mm)
screen size is decent (3 inch)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14MP)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)
manual exposure not available
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
missing Time Lapse function
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung PL120 Vlogging info
Sony W550 Vlogging info
31
good maximum aperture (f)
has external mic jack
display is not selfie friendly
no image stabilization
video quality not great (1280 x 720 resolution)
29
rather wide (26mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)
screen is not selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
missing mic jack
Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

Samsung PL120 vs Sony W550 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung PL120 and Sony W550
 Samsung PL120Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
General Information
Brand Name Samsung Sony
Model type Samsung PL120 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
Class Ultracompact Ultracompact
Launched 2011-01-05 2011-07-24
Body design Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Processor - BIONZ
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.16 x 4.62mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.5mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 14MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution 4608 x 3456 4320 x 3240
Max native ISO 3200 3200
Min native ISO - 80
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range () 26-104mm (4.0x)
Max aperture - f/2.7-5.7
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 2.7 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 230 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Screen technology - Clear Photo LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 8 seconds 2 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting speed - 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - 3.80 m
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video data format - MPEG-4
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB none USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight - 110g (0.24 lb)
Physical dimensions 94 x 54 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") 94 x 56 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery ID - NP-BN1
Self timer - Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse recording
Storage media - SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots - -
Launch pricing $150 $119