Get Picture-Perfect Shots with the Samsung PL170 Camera

The Samsung PL170 is a compact digital camera that packs a punch. With its dual LCD screens and advanced features, it's a great choice for anyone who wants to capture high-quality photos and videos. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Samsung PL170 and its key features, as well as explore how it ranks on Google.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung PL170 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 05 2011

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weightnullg
MSRP$199USD

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Overview of the PL170

If you're looking for an easy-to-use yet advanced digital camera, the Samsung PL170 may be just what you need. This compact camera is designed to help you take great photos and videos without any hassle. With its dual LCD screens, you can see exactly what you're capturing and get the perfect shot every time. But how does the Samsung PL170 stack up against other cameras on the market? In this blog post, we'll explore its top features and see how it ranks on Google. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, the Samsung PL170 could be the perfect tool to help you take your skills to the next level.

Samsung PL170 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung PL170 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Dual screen feature
16.1 megapixel CCD sensor
5x optical zoom lens
Smart Auto feature
HD video recording
Affordable price
Sleek and compact design

Cons

No manual controls
Limited low-light performance
Slow autofocus
Proprietary charging port
Limited manual focus options
Poor battery life (300 shots per charge)
No built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung PL170

Weather sealed
Dimensions95 x 57 x 19mm
Weightnullg
Thickness19mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung PL170 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung PL170 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Samsung PL170 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the PL170 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung PL170 has a 16MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Samsung PL170 has a native ISO range of 0 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 05 2011

Announced

0 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung PL170 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PL170 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung PL170 supports undefined with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung PL170 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung PL170 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Samsung PL170 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Samsung PL170 does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung PL170?

The Samsung PL170 features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung PL170 weather sealed?

No the PL170 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung PL170 announced?

The Samsung PL170 was announced on Jan 05 2011

Does the Samsung PL170 have in-body image stabilization?

No the PL170 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung PL170?

The PL170 has a native ISO range of 0-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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