Samsung PL170 vs Sony TX1

Following is a complete review of the Samsung PL170 and Sony TX1, both Ultracompact cameras by companies Samsung and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and TX1 (10MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and TX1 (1/2.4") feature different sensor measurements.

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The PL170 was revealed 18 months after the TX1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the PL170 matches up versus the TX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony TX1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung PL170 has got external dimensions 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 TX1 has dimensions of 94mm x 58mm x 17mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check the Samsung PL170 and Sony TX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the PL170 vs the TX1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and TX1 is 99 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the PL170 and TX1.

All in all, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The PL170 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Samsung PL170 will result in extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher PL170 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.