Samsung PL170 vs Sony RX100 VI

In this write-up, we are looking at the Samsung PL170 vs Sony RX100 VI, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the RX100 VI (20MP) is very similar but the PL170 (1/2.3") and RX100 VI (1") use different sensor measurements.

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The PL170 was manufactured 8 years prior to the RX100 VI and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX100 VI being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the PL170 scores versus the RX100 VI in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung PL170 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI. The entire galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony RX100 VI Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Samsung PL170 provides 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 RX100 VI has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 43mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.7") and a weight of 301 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Samsung PL170 vs Sony RX100 VI in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the PL170 against the RX100 VI.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and RX100 VI is 99 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reviewing technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the PL170 and RX100 VI.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The PL170 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 VI will deliver more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older PL170 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.