Samsung PL170 vs Sony NEX-3

Lets look a bit more closely at the Samsung PL170 and Sony NEX-3, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the PL170 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The PL170 was brought out 8 months later than the NEX-3 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the PL170 matches up vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung PL170 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Samsung PL170 features physical 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 NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Samsung PL170 and Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the PL170 against the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and NEX-3 is 99 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing specifications. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and NEX-3.

To sum up, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The PL170 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Samsung PL170 will offer you extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern PL170 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.