Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290
99 Imaging
37 Features
19 Overall
29


66 Imaging
53 Features
47 Overall
50
Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 0 - 0
- 1280 x 720 video
- ()mm (F) lens
- n/ag - 100 x 59 x 20mm
- Released January 2011
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Launched June 2010
- Earlier Model is Sony A230

Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Overview
Here, we are contrasting the Samsung PL210 versus Sony A290, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the PL210 (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very similar but the PL210 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

The PL210 was launched 7 months later than the A290 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung PL210 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the PL210 grades against the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung PL210 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung PL210 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung PL210 over the Sony A290
PL210 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2011 | ![]() | June 2010 | More recent by 7 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Samsung PL210
A290 | PL210 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focusing |
Common features in the Samsung PL210 and Sony A290
PL210 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Equal display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Lack of Touch display |
Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Samsung PL210 has got physical dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Check the Samsung PL210 versus Sony A290 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the PL210 compared to the A290.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PL210 and A290 is 99 and 66 respectively.

Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by going over specifications. The graphic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the PL210 and A290.
Plainly, both the cameras feature the identical megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The PL210 includes the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult. The younger PL210 provides an edge in sensor technology.

Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung PL210 vs Sony A290 Specifications
Samsung PL210 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Samsung | Sony |
Model type | Samsung PL210 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Category | Ultracompact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2011-01-05 | 2010-06-09 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 28.5mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4592 x 3056 |
Highest native ISO | - | 3200 |
Min native ISO | - | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens zoom range | () | - |
Available lenses | - | 143 |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 8 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | none | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | - | 549g (1.21 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 100 x 59 x 20mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 66 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 11.5 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 290 photos |
Form of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | - | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch pricing | $200 | $600 |