Samsung PL170 vs Sony W290

On this page, we will be evaluating the Samsung PL170 versus Sony W290, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The PL170 was announced 23 months after the W290 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the PL170 scores vs the W290 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL170 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The whole galleries are available at Samsung PL170 Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung PL170 offers external 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 W290 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Samsung PL170 versus Sony W290 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the PL170 vs the W290.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PL170 and W290 is 99 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The picture below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the PL170 and W290.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can expect the Samsung PL170 to give you greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer PL170 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.