Samsung PL170 vs Sony HX80

Below is a extended overview of the Samsung PL170 versus Sony HX80, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The PL170 was unveiled 6 years prior to the HX80 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the PL170 scores versus the HX80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung PL170 offers outside 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 HX80 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung PL170 versus Sony HX80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the PL170 and the HX80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and HX80 is 99 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and HX80.

To sum up, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Sony HX80 to give more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The older PL170 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.