Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1
99 Imaging
38 Features
20 Overall
30


67 Imaging
77 Features
62 Overall
71
Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Key Specs
(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
(Full Review)
- 37MP - Full frame Sensor
- 4.34" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 80 - 51200
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- 35mm (F2-22) lens
- 800g - 142 x 93 x 46mm
- Announced September 2018

Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Overview
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.

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.

Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Gallery
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.
Reasons to pick Samsung PL170 over the Zeiss ZX1
PL170 | ZX1 |
---|
Reasons to pick Zeiss ZX1 over the Samsung PL170
ZX1 | PL170 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | September 2018 | ![]() | January 2011 | Newer by 94 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Display dimension | 4.34" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+1.34") |
Display resolution | 2765k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+2535k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Samsung PL170 and Zeiss ZX1
PL170 | ZX1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen |
Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Physical Comparison
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.

Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Comparison
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.

Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung PL170 vs Zeiss ZX1 Specifications
Samsung PL170 | Zeiss ZX1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Samsung | Zeiss |
Model | Samsung PL170 | Zeiss ZX1 |
Category | Ultracompact | Large Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2011-01-05 | 2018-09-27 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Large Sensor Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 36 x 24mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 864.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 37MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 3:2 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 7488 x 4992 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 51200 |
Min native ISO | - | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 255 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | () | 35mm (1x) |
Largest aperture | - | f/2-22 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Screen size | 3" | 4.34" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 2,765k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 6,221k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | no built-in flash |
Flash options | - | no built-in flash |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 3840x2160 |
Video file format | - | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | none | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | - | 800 grams (1.76 lb) |
Dimensions | 95 x 57 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") | 142 x 93 x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") |
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 | ||
Self timer | - | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | - | 512GB internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $175 | - |