Samsung PL170 vs Sony S980

Here is a comprehensive review of the Samsung PL170 vs Sony S980, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and S980 (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The PL170 was revealed 23 months later than the S980 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the PL170 matches up against the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL170 has got physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL170 vs Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the PL170 vs the S980.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the PL170 and S980 is 99 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by going over specifications. The graphic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and S980.

Plainly, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Samsung PL170 to offer you extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern PL170 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.