Canon 5D vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Below is a thorough assessment of the Canon 5D and Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Canon and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the 5D (13MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the 5D (Full frame) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The 5D was revealed 7 years prior to the SD1 Merrill and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the 5D grades against the SD1 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS 5D & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 5D Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon 5D enjoys outer dimensions of 152mm x 113mm x 75mm (6.0" x 4.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has sizing of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Compare the Canon 5D and Sigma SD1 Merrill in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the 5D against the SD1 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 5D and SD1 Merrill is 55 and 57 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 5D and SD1 Merrill.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 5D with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will show extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older 5D will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.