Samsung PL170 vs Sigma SD15

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Samsung PL170 and Sigma SD15, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and SD15 (5MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and SD15 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The PL170 was unveiled 11 months after the SD15 so they are of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma SD15 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the PL170 scores vs the SD15 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 & Sigma SD15. The full galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sigma SD15 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung PL170 provides physical dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) and the Sigma SD15 has dimensions of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Look at the Samsung PL170 and Sigma SD15 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the PL170 and the SD15.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and SD15 is 99 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by going over specifications. The pic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the PL170 and SD15.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The PL170 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Samsung PL170 will offer you more detail having an extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer PL170 should have an advantage in sensor tech.