Samsung PL170 vs Sony HX1

Below is a detailed overview of the Samsung PL170 versus Sony HX1, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor sizing.

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The PL170 was manufactured 21 months later than the HX1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the PL170 scores vs the HX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Samsung PL170 has outer dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL170 versus Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the PL170 vs the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and HX1 is 99 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The visual below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the PL170 and HX1.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The PL170 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Samsung PL170 will deliver more detail due to its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern PL170 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.