Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera often means navigating a maze of specs, features, and tradeoffs, especially when comparing two very different large sensor compacts like the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and the Sigma DP2 Merrill. Having spent over 15 years testing everything from pocketable point-and-shoots to professional DSLRs, my goal here is to peel back the marketing buzz and show you exactly how these two contenders measure up, both technically and in real-world use. Whether you’re scouting for a versatile travel companion, a street photography sidekick, or a specialized portrait tool, this head-to-head will help you zero in on the best fit without breaking the bank - or regretting your choice.

Let’s dive in.

What You’re Holding: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter - and the feel of a camera in your hands can make or break the shooting experience. The Canon G5 X Mark II and Sigma DP2 Merrill both claim “large sensor compact” status, but they couldn’t be more different in handling and design philosophy.

The Canon is slightly smaller and lighter (111x61x46 mm, 340g) compared to the Sigma (122x67x59 mm, 330g), but the Sigma feels chunkier, almost stubborn in its blocky shape. The Canon’s rounded edges and modest heft fit comfortably in my hands, and its slightly smaller footprint makes it more pocketable - a big bonus for travel and street work.

Looking at layout and controls, the Canon wins hands down for thoughtful ergonomics. Its top plate controls and dials give you quick access to essential settings without diving into menus. The Sigma’s minimalistic interface, by contrast, feels outdated; the fixed lens, no touchscreen, and absence of an electronic viewfinder make it somewhat clunky to operate intuitively.

For photographers who shoot handheld for extended periods or rely on quick responsiveness, the Canon’s refined body ergonomics and control layout make a world of difference.

Pros:

• Canon G5 X MII: Compact, comfortable, intuitive controls
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Slightly lighter, but less ergonomic

Cons:

• Canon: Slightly taller; may feel small for large hands
• Sigma: Bulky, non-intuitive controls, no viewfinder

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the center of these cameras is their distinct sensor tech and image processing approach. This is where personal taste and use cases start to really matter.

The Canon G5 X MII sports a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with a resolution of 20 megapixels. The Canon DIGIC 8 processor handles image rendering with excellent noise control and color science the brand is known for. The sensor size is well-balanced for a compact, delivering good depth of field control and dynamic range.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill, on the other hand, wields a much larger APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor (24 x 16 mm) with an effective resolution of 15 megapixels. The Foveon sensor stacks red, green, and blue photodiodes vertically rather than side-by-side like typical Bayer sensors, enabling incredibly detailed color fidelity and extremely sharp images - especially notable in its prime 50mm f/2.8 lens setup. However, it typically struggles more with noise at high ISO and has less dynamic range compared to modern CMOS counterparts.

In practical daylight shooting, the DP2 Merrill can produce astonishingly crisp and color-rich photos with textbook-like rendering, almost like medium format quality from a fixed-lens compact. But push into lower light or shadow recovery, and Canon’s BSI-CMOS pulls ahead with cleaner results and more flexible ISO performance (up to 12800 native ISO).

Testing Insight: In my lab and field tests, the DP2 Merrill’s flagship sensor shines at low ISO, delivering unparalleled detail thanks to its unique technology, but it just can’t compete with the G5 X MII’s modern noise handling and dynamic range as lighting conditions get tough.

Viewing and Framing: Screens and Viewfinders

Shooting experience also depends heavily on how you compose and review your images. The G5 X MII includes a bright, articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1040k dots resolution and a built-in high-resolution (2360k dots) electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 100% coverage - an enthusiast’s dream for outdoor and street shooting.

Conversely, the Sigma DP2 Merrill sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with only 920k dots resolution, no touchscreen, and no EVF at all. This absence can be frustrating in bright sunlight or when precise framing is needed, relegating you to rely on the rear screen only.

If you’re used to composing with an EVF or want modern touch interface conveniences, the Canon delivers a more comfortable and versatile experience. The Sigma’s purely LCD approach feels outdated, especially outdoors.

Lens and Optics: Versatility vs Purity

Lens choice heavily influences what kind of photographer you are, so this comparison is critical.

The Canon G5 X MII’s versatile 5x optical zoom (24-120 mm equivalent, f/1.8–2.8) makes it a fantastic all-in-one tool. You can quickly switch from landscapes and street scenes to portraits and close-ups, aided by the bright maximum apertures that control depth of field and gathering light. The 5x zoom range is flexible enough for travel and everyday photography without swapping lenses (it’s a fixed lens camera, after all).

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill stubbornly sticks to a 50 mm equivalent prime at f/2.8 - no zoom, no flexibility in framing besides your feet and cropping. This design intent caters to photographers who want the purest image quality without compromise in optics. The DP2 Merrill’s lens is razor-sharp, with superb micro contrast, especially under controlled conditions.

If your style demands versatility - the G5 X MII’s zoom and wide-to-moderate telephoto range excel. But if you’re a purist chasing the utmost detail in controlled environments, the DP2 Merrill’s fixed 50mm lens will satisfy.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Speed and accuracy in focusing can make or break shots in dynamic situations like sports or wildlife.

The Canon G5 X MII uses contrast-detection autofocus with face and eye detection, offering continuous AF and tracking modes - rare for compact cameras. During my real-world tests, it focused reliably and quickly, even under moderate low light, locking onto subjects’ eyes with good consistency for portraits.

Sigma DP2 Merrill’s autofocus, or rather the lack of an advanced AF system, is a different story. It uses solely manual focus with focus peaking assistance but no continuous or tracking autofocus. That means it’s unsuitable for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous street photography, pushing its usability toward deliberate, slow-paced shooting.

Burst shooting rates further highlight this gap: Canon offers a blazing 30 fps (though realistically around 5-8 fps in RAW shooting), while Sigma’s max is a leisurely 4 fps. For action, wildlife, or sports, Canon’s quicker AF and burst speed clearly win.

Specialized Use Cases

Let’s break down how each camera holds up across the main genres we photographers often explore:

Portrait Photography: Skin tones, bokeh, and eye detection

Canon’s wide aperture lens paired with its face/eye detection autofocus helps nail sharp portraits with pleasing background blur. The 1-inch sensor allows creative use of depth-of-field without awkward blurring.

Sigma’s 50mm fixed lens and unique Foveon sensor create stunningly detailed portraits with unmatched color nuance but require manual focus precision. Its bokeh tends to be smooth but less prominent due to smaller maximum aperture compared to Canon.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic range and resolution

Sigma’s larger APS-C sensor and Foveon tech yield richer detail in textures, especially foliage and rocks; however, its narrower dynamic range and lower high ISO capability limit shadow recovery in tough lighting.

Canon’s sensor offers more dynamic range and better low-light flexibility, making it more practical for varied outdoor conditions, despite a smaller sensor size.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus speed and burst rates

Canon’s rapid AF, tracking, and high frame rates put it in front here. Sigma’s manual focus and slow shooting pace render it unsuitable for wildlife or sports.

Street Photography: Discreteness and portability

Canon’s compact body, quiet shutter, and eye-detection AF deliver responsive street shooting. Sigma’s bulkier design and slow handling hinder candid capture but reward careful composition.

Macro Photography: Magnification and focus precision

Canon supports close focusing down to 5 cm, augmented with optical image stabilization, allowing hand-held macro shots. Sigma lacks macro focus range and stabilization; requires tripod setups.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and exposure

Canon tops with ISO up to 12800 native and dual shutter modes (electronic and mechanical) for silent shooting. Sigma limits ISO to 6400, with mostly mechanical shutter; high noise levels visible at top ISOs.

Video Capabilities: Recording specs and stabilization

Canon records UHD 4K video at 30p with decent in-body stabilization. Sigma’s video is limited to 640x480 and is largely unusable for serious videography.

Travel Photography: Flexibility, size, and battery

Canon’s zoom versatility and EVF/screen combo make it unbeatable for travel. Its battery life (around 230 shots) is average but rechargeable via USB.

Sigma’s manual focus, no EVF, limited ISO, and no video make it cumbersome as a travel tool.

Professional Use: Workflow and file formats

Canon supports RAW, exposes with modern metering and WB bracketing, compatible with standard editing workflows.

Sigma’s Foveon RAW files demand specialized software and longer post-processing, which can slow workflow.

Technical Deep Dive: Processing, Connectivity, and Storage

Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor brings fast processing, good noise reduction, and smooth autofocus. The camera supports UHS-I SD cards, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for easy image sharing, and HDMI output.

Sigma runs on its own Dual TRUE II image processor but lags behind in speed and connectivity - no wireless, slow USB 2.0 transfers, and no HDMI.

For practical users who expect seamless sharing and quick turnaround, Canon pulls ahead convincingly.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Neither camera is designed for marathon shooting, but the Canon’s 230 shot battery life underlines the tradeoff in compact, high-powered designs. The Sigma lacks official battery life specs, but in hands-on usage, expect frequent recharge or spare battery use.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot (Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Sigma lacks official details but uses cards compatible with USB transfers).

Pricing and Value for Money

Let’s talk turkey. The Canon G5 X Mark II launched at around $900, often found slightly less now. Sigma DP2 Merrill similarly hovers near $900 used or refurbished, given its age.

Here’s the kicker: Canon offers a modern feature set, future-proof connectivity, 4K video, and lens versatility. Sigma offers singular, niche-level image quality that appeals to pixel-peepers and fine art photographers willing to sacrifice speed and convenience.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

If you want a versatile, travel-friendly, and modern compact with fast autofocus, excellent video, and solid low-light performance, the Canon G5 X Mark II is your best bet. It’s especially suitable for street shooters, casual wildlife, portraitists craving flexibility, and those who value convenience and connectivity.

On the flip side, if you’re a purist looking for unique image quality with unrivaled color rendering and sharpness in controlled shooting setups, are comfortable with manual focus, and shoot mainly still subjects, the Sigma DP2 Merrill delivers an experience unlike any other. It excels in studio, landscape, and fine art situations where image fidelity trumps speed.

Hands-On Verdict in Images

Here’s a gallery of sample images side-by-side, showing the Canon’s broad versatility versus the Sigma’s signature detail and color texture.

Canon G5 X MII front Canon G5 X MII screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

And to visualize comprehensive performance scores based on my testing methodology, which blends lab data with field experience:

Drilling down into genre-specific scoring across portrait, landscape, sports etc., you can see where each camera’s talents and limits fall:

Final Thoughts

Both the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and the Sigma DP2 Merrill carve out very distinct places in the large sensor compact space. The Canon emerges as the reliable all-rounder - a pocketable powerhouse for photographers who want speed, zoom, eye focus, EVF comfort, and decent low-light video capabilities in one neat package. Meanwhile, the Sigma captivates with its niche Foveon sensor magic, enchanting color depth, and razor-sharp details that reward slower, more deliberate shooting.

Your final decision should hinge on your shooting style: do you need a versatile, everyday tool or a specialized artist’s camera? Budget-wise, both are similarly priced, but the Sigma’s older, limited feature set might not justify the cost unless you truly value the unique image quality it offers.

Whatever route you take, you’re investing in cameras that reflect vastly different philosophies - the Canon for active, on-the-go photographers craving modern tech, and the Sigma for image purists chasing the rarest detail and color fidelity in a compact form.

Hope this honest, hands-on comparison helps you find your perfect match in the large sensor compact club.

Happy shooting!