Samsung PL170 vs Sony A7R II

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Samsung PL170 vs Sony A7R II, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Samsung and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and A7R II (42MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and A7R II (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The PL170 was unveiled 5 years earlier than the A7R II which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A7R II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the PL170 grades vs the A7R II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 & Sony Alpha A7R II. The full galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony A7R II Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL170 has outside measurements 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 Sony A7R II has measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 60mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.4") having a weight of 625 grams (1.38 lbs).

See the Samsung PL170 vs Sony A7R II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the PL170 compared to the A7R II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and A7R II is 99 and 68 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes merely by going over a spec sheet. The pic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the PL170 and A7R II.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The PL170 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A7R II will offer you greater detail having an extra 26MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged PL170 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.