Samsung PL200 vs Sony a5100

Below, we will be contrasting the Samsung PL200 vs Sony a5100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the PL200 (14MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the PL200 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The PL200 was revealed 5 years before the a5100 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung PL200 being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the PL200 matches up vs the a5100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL200 & Sony Alpha a5100. The full galleries are available at Samsung PL200 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Samsung PL200 has got outer measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

See the Samsung PL200 vs Sony a5100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the PL200 vs the a5100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the PL200 and a5100 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the PL200 and a5100.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The PL200 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony a5100 will offer extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older PL200 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.