Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1

Below, we are analyzing the Samsung PL170 and Zeiss ZX1, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Samsung and Zeiss. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the PL170 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the PL170 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The PL170 was revealed 8 years before the ZX1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the PL170 scores against the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 and Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Samsung PL170 enjoys exterior measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung PL170 and Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the PL170 compared to the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and ZX1 is 99 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking technical specs. The image here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the PL170 and ZX1.

As you can tell, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The PL170 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged PL170 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.