Samsung PL170 vs Sony TX5

Following is a detailed assessment of the Samsung PL170 versus Sony TX5, both Ultracompact cameras by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and TX5 (10MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and TX5 (1/2.4") posses different sensor size.

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The PL170 was unveiled 11 months after the TX5 so they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the PL170 matches up versus the TX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony TX5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL170 features external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony TX5 has proportions of 94mm x 57mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 148 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Samsung PL170 versus Sony TX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the PL170 compared to the TX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and TX5 is 99 and 96 respectively.

Often, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the PL170 and TX5.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The PL170 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Samsung PL170 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The younger PL170 provides an edge in sensor innovation.