Samsung PL170 vs Sony S950

The following is a complete assessment of the Samsung PL170 and Sony S950, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Samsung and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and S950 (10MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The PL170 was unveiled 23 months after the S950 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony S950 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the PL170 scores versus the S950 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony S950 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Samsung PL170 features physical 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) and the Sony S950 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Samsung PL170 and Sony S950 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the PL170 vs the S950.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and S950 is 99 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and S950.

As you can see, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should expect the Samsung PL170 to produce greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more modern PL170 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.