Samsung PL170 vs Sony a1

In this article, we are analyzing the Samsung PL170 vs Sony a1, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and a1 (50MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) come with different sensor measurements.

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The PL170 was announced 11 years earlier than the a1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the PL170 matches up vs the a1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung PL170 and Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Samsung PL170 has exterior measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony a1 has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

See the Samsung PL170 vs Sony a1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the PL170 compared to the a1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and a1 is 99 and 61 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor dimensions simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the PL170 and a1.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The PL170 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony a1 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 34MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged PL170 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.