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Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90

Portability
99
Imaging
39
Features
20
Overall
31
Samsung PL170 front
 
Samsung ST90 front
Portability
99
Imaging
37
Features
19
Overall
29

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Key Specs

Samsung PL170
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • ()mm (F) lens
  • n/ag - 95 x 57 x 19mm
  • Released January 2011
Samsung ST90
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 0
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • ()mm (F) lens
  • n/ag - 92 x 53 x 17mm
  • Launched January 2011
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Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Overview

In this article, we will be contrasting the Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90, both Ultracompact cameras and they are both produced by Samsung. The sensor resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the ST90 (14MP) is pretty close and they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The PL170 was brought out around the same time to the ST90 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the PL170 grades versus the ST90 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Samsung ST90

 PL170 ST90 

Reasons to pick Samsung ST90 over the Samsung PL170

 ST90 PL170 
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Samsung PL170 and Samsung ST90

 PL170 ST90 
LaunchedJanuary 2011January 2011Same generation
Focus manually Lack of manual focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen size
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch screen Missing Touch screen

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Physical Comparison

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL170 provides physical dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Samsung ST90 has proportions of 92mm x 53mm x 17mm (3.6" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

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Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the PL170 compared to the ST90.

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and ST90 is 99 and 99 respectively.

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 top view buttons comparison

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it's hard to see the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through specifications. The graphic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the PL170 and ST90.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Samsung PL170 to result in more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively.

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 sensor size comparison

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung PL170 Portrait photography features
Samsung ST90 Portrait photography features
30
decent MP (16 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
manual exposure not available
no external flash support
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
28
sensor resolution is decent (14MP)
lack of manual focus
manual mode not possible
external flash not possible
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
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Street Comparison

Samsung PL170 as a Street photography camera
Samsung ST90 as a Street photography camera
50
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
49
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
low max ISO (0)
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Sports Comparison

Samsung PL170 Sports photography highlights
Samsung ST90 Sports photography highlights
27
decent MP (16 megapixels)
focal length is fixed (()mm)
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
26
sensor resolution is decent (14MP)
can't change focal length (()mm)
no shutter priority
does not have image stabilization
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Samsung PL170 Travel photography advice
Samsung ST90 Travel photography advice
71
decent MP (16MP)
flash built-in
good maximum aperture (f)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
does not feature selfie friendly screen
71
sensor resolution is decent (14MP)
flash built-in
fast maximum aperture (f)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
screen isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Samsung PL170
Landscape photography with Samsung ST90
39
good maximum aperture (f)
pretty good screen size (3")
decent MP (16 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (()mm)
manual exposure not available
lack of image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
37
fast maximum aperture (f)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
sensor resolution is decent (14 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
cannot change lenses (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (()mm)
manual mode not possible
does not have image stabilization
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
low max ISO (0)
doesn't have RAW support
doesn't have Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Samsung PL170 Vlogging information
Samsung ST90 Vlogging information
27
good maximum aperture (f)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
lack of image stabilization
low quality video (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have external mic jack
27
fast maximum aperture (f)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external mic socket
Photography Glossary

Samsung PL170 vs Samsung ST90 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung PL170 and Samsung ST90
 Samsung PL170Samsung ST90
General Information
Manufacturer Samsung Samsung
Model Samsung PL170 Samsung ST90
Category Ultracompact Ultracompact
Released 2011-01-05 2011-01-19
Physical type Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.16 x 4.62mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 28.5mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Peak resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 3200 -
Minimum native ISO - -
RAW images
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range () ()
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 230k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 8s 8s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/2000s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 1280 x 720
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB none none
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Dimensions 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") 92 x 53 x 17mm (3.6" x 2.1" x 0.7")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Time lapse feature
Card slots Single Single
Price at release $175 $150