Samsung PL170 vs Sony a5000

Its time to look much closer at the Samsung PL170 vs Sony a5000, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the a5000 (20MP) is pretty close but the PL170 (1/2.3") and a5000 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The PL170 was introduced 4 years prior to the a5000 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a5000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the PL170 scores vs the a5000 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 and Sony Alpha a5000. The whole galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony a5000 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL170 has got physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony a5000 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL170 vs Sony a5000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the PL170 and the a5000.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and a5000 is 99 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specifications. The pic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and a5000.

Plainly, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The PL170 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony a5000 will result in greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged PL170 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.