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Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330

Portability
99
Imaging
39
Features
20
Overall
31
Samsung PL170 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330 front
Portability
96
Imaging
36
Features
21
Overall
30

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Key Specs

Samsung PL170
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • ()mm (F) lens
  • n/ag - 95 x 57 x 19mm
  • Launched January 2011
Sony W330
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 26-105mm (F2.7-5.7) lens
  • 128g - 96 x 57 x 17mm
  • Introduced January 2010
Photography Glossary

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Overview

Here, we will be analyzing the Samsung PL170 versus Sony W330, both Ultracompact digital cameras by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the W330 (14MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The PL170 was unveiled 13 months after the W330 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the PL170 scores versus the W330 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Sony W330

 PL170 W330 
IntroducedJanuary 2011January 2010Newer by 13 months

Reasons to pick Sony W330 over the Samsung PL170

 W330 PL170 

Common features in the Samsung PL170 and Sony W330

 PL170 W330 
Manual focus Lack of manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen size3"3"Same screen dimensions
Screen resolution230k230kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither provides Touch friendly screen

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL170 provides outer measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony W330 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 17mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 128 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung PL170 versus Sony W330 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the PL170 against the W330.

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and W330 is 99 and 96 respectively.

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 top view buttons comparison

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the PL170 and W330.

As you can see, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Samsung PL170 to give greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer PL170 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 sensor size comparison

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung PL170 Portrait photography features
Sony W330 Portrait photography features
30
decent MP (16 megapixels)
no manual focus
manual exposure not possible
can't use external flash
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
28
decent MP (14MP)
no manual focus
manual exposure not available
cannot use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
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Street Comparison

Samsung PL170 as a Street photography camera
Sony W330 as a Street photography camera
50
screen does not articulate
no image stabilization
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
48
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Samsung PL170 Sports photography factors
Sony W330 Sports photography factors
27
decent MP (16 megapixels)
can't change focal length (()mm)
no shutter priority
no image stabilization
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no phase detect auto focus
26
decent MP (14MP)
max frames per second very slow (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Samsung PL170 Travel photography information
Sony W330 Travel photography information
71
decent MP (16MP)
flash built-in
great maximum aperture (f)
lack of Timelapse mode
screen isn't selfie friendly
65
decent MP (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
rather wide (26mm)
missing Time Lapse recording
screen isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f2.7)
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Landscape Comparison

Samsung PL170 as a Landscape photography camera
Sony W330 as a Landscape photography camera
39
great maximum aperture (f)
screen size is decent (3")
decent MP (16 megapixels)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (()mm)
manual exposure not possible
no image stabilization
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
lack of Timelapse mode
37
rather wide (26mm)
screen size is decent (3")
decent MP (14MP)
no manual focus
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f2.7)
manual exposure not available
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
missing Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Samsung PL170
Vlogging with Sony W330
27
great maximum aperture (f)
screen isn't selfie friendly
no image stabilization
video resolution low (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of microphone support
26
rather wide (26mm)
slow max aperture (f2.7)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
low res video (640 x 480 resolution)
missing mic jack
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Samsung PL170 vs Sony W330 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung PL170 and Sony W330
 Samsung PL170Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330
General Information
Brand Name Samsung Sony
Model Samsung PL170 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330
Category Ultracompact Ultracompact
Launched 2011-01-05 2010-01-07
Body design Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 14MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4608 x 3456 4320 x 3240
Highest native ISO 3200 3200
Min native ISO - 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points - 9
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range () 26-105mm (4.0x)
Maximum aperture - f/2.7-5.7
Macro focus distance - 4cm
Crop factor 5.9 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 8 seconds 2 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting speed - 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range - 3.50 m
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Slow syncro
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 640x480
Video data format - Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB none USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight - 128g (0.28 lbs)
Physical dimensions 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") 96 x 57 x 17mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery model - NP-BN1
Self timer - Yes (2 sec or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media - SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro HG-Duo, Internal
Storage slots One One
Pricing at launch $175 $170