Samsung PL170 vs Sony A390

Here, we will be reviewing the Samsung PL170 vs Sony A390, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is relatively close but the PL170 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The PL170 was unveiled 6 months after the A390 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the PL170 matches up vs the A390 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung PL170 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung PL170 has outer 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) whilst the Sony A390 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Samsung PL170 vs Sony A390 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the PL170 against the A390.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and A390 is 99 and 66 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by viewing a spec sheet. The image here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and A390.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The PL170 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung PL170 will render extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively.