Samsung PL170 vs Sony A7R

On this page, we will be evaluating the Samsung PL170 versus Sony A7R, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and A7R (36MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and A7R (Full frame) provide different sensor sizing.

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The PL170 was launched 4 years prior to the A7R which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the PL170 scores versus the A7R when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung PL170 & Sony Alpha A7R. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony A7R Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Samsung PL170 features exterior dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) and the Sony A7R has specifications of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") and a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL170 versus Sony A7R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the PL170 against the A7R.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and A7R is 99 and 78 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the PL170 and A7R.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The PL170 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A7R will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 20 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged PL170 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.