Canon G7 X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Canon G7 X vs. Sigma DP1 Merrill: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Large Sensor Compacts

When you hold a compact camera promising large sensor performance, your expectations run high. Today, I’m putting two intriguing - but fundamentally different - large sensor compacts head-to-head: the Canon PowerShot G7 X and the Sigma DP1 Merrill. Both have their fans, but they serve very distinct photographers with unique priorities. After extensive hands-on testing and careful evaluation of their real-world applications, I’ll unpack what truly separates these two cameras.

Let’s start at the beginning: their physical presence.

Form Factor, Build, and Handling - Pocketability vs. Substantial Presence

Right off the bat, the Canon G7 X impresses with its sleek, pocketable form factor. Measuring just 103 x 60 x 40mm and weighing 304 grams, it’s a true on-the-go companion. Its contoured front grip and tilting touchscreen enhance usability, making it easy to shoot from creative angles or even take selfies (thank you, Canon). The well-laid-out controls demand minimal adaptation from DSLR or mirrorless shooters since you get dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speeds, and exposure compensation.

In contrast, the Sigma DP1 Merrill feels chunkier - 122 x 67 x 64mm and tipping the scales at 330 grams. It has a more boxy, almost utilitarian design, lacking a built-in flash or any touchscreen. While smaller than many DSLRs, its ergonomics demand two hands and a bit of deliberation with its fixed physical control schema. There’s no tilting screen either, which restricts composition flexibility. Compared to Canon’s more user-friendly interface, Sigma’s layout is minimalistic and perhaps better suited for experienced photographers who prefer manual control over versatility.

If portability and quick handling are paramount, the G7 X clearly has the edge here.

Sensor and Image Quality Profile - Different Technologies, Different Philosophies

Now, camera enthusiasts, let’s get technical. Both models boast large sensors, but their nature couldn’t be more different.

• Canon G7 X: sports a 1" type BSI CMOS sensor at 20MP with a sensor area of 116.16 mm². The back-illuminated sensor architecture delivers respectable high ISO capabilities and good dynamic range for a compact sensor. Supported by Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor, it offers clean images even above ISO 800, with up to ISO 12,800 available for extreme situations.

• Sigma DP1 Merrill: employs an APS-C sized sensor measuring 24 x 16 mm, more than three times the area of the Canon’s sensor (384 mm²). However, it uses Sigma’s Foveon X3 sensor, famous for capturing color information on three separate layers, mimicking film’s color depth. Its resolution is stated at 15MP, but due to how Foveon sensors work, the effective detail level punch can surpass typical Bayer sensors. The trade-off is that this sensor is slower in operation and less suitable for high-ISO use.

In practical use, Canon’s G7 X delivers versatile image quality suitable for varied shooting conditions with solid color reproduction, good dynamic range, and manageable noise levels. Sigma’s DP1 Merrill aims at ultimate detail and color fidelity under controlled lighting, excelling in static, well-lit subjects but faltering in low light and fast-action scenarios.

Both cameras retain anti-aliasing filters, which soften edges slightly but reduce moiré artifacts. SIGMA’s raw files (X3F format) demand more post-processing finesse but reward you with incredible color gradation and tonal richness.

Navigating the Interface and LCD Screen Experience

I appreciate the G7 X’s 3-inch, 1,040k-dot tilting touchscreen for live view focusing, menu navigation, and intuitive control. It supports touch autofocus and adjustments, which speed up workflow tremendously, especially while shooting on the move. Selfie-friendly? Absolutely.

Sigma DP1 Merrill’s fixed 3-inch screen lags behind both in resolution (920k dots) and usability - no touchscreen, no tilt. This could frustrate photographers who depend on live feedback or creative angles during capture. It reinforces Sigma’s photography philosophy: prioritize careful, deliberate composition over on-the-fly adjustments.

Autofocus and Handling Speed - The Heartbeat of Action Photography

Neither camera was designed primarily for fast-paced shooting, but Canon’s autofocus system is considerably more advanced.

• Canon G7 X: features 31 contrast-detect autofocus points, with face detection and touch autofocus support. It supports continuous AF and can sustain 6.5 frames per second burst shooting, good enough for casual street and event photography.

• Sigma DP1 Merrill: offers no phase-detection or contrast-detection AF in the traditional sense. It lacks face detection, continuous AF, or tracking capabilities. Focus is manual or single-shot contrast detect only, making it unsuitable for capturing fleeting moments.

If your photography includes moving subjects - whether wildlife, street, or sports - the G7 X’s autofocus system significantly outperforms Sigma’s deliberate but slow approach.

Lens and Focal Length Considerations

The Canon’s 24-100mm equivalent zoom lens at a bright aperture range of f/1.8-2.8 is versatile, covering wide-angle to short telephoto with excellent low-light capabilities. The lens is stabilized optically, helping keep shots sharp handheld, and the fast aperture helps create pleasing bokeh for portraits or isolation of subjects.

Sigma uses a fixed 28mm f/2.8 prime (equivalent focal length, given its crop factor), emphasizing an image quality-first approach with no zoom flexibility. This lens cannot be changed or adapted, although its designed optical performance is acclaimed, producing crisp and characterful results.

For travel or varied shooting conditions, the Canon’s zoom lens is much better; for deliberate landscape or portrait work where you prioritize image quality, the Sigma’s prime shines.

Battery Life and Workflow Practicalities

I’ve found the Canon G7 X’s battery life adequate but not exceptional - around 210 shots per charge under typical use. Its NB-13L battery is proprietary but widely available, and the USB charging is convenient on the road.

The Sigma DP1 Merrill’s battery information is sparse and not officially rated, reflecting its cramped design and less user-friendly nature. You may find your shooting sessions cut short without a ready spare.

Both cameras use single SD card slots supporting SDHC and SDXC. Canon supports UHS-I speeds, ensuring smoother write speeds for Continuous and video modes, while Sigma lacks this.

Connectivity and Modern Features - Staying Current or Going Classic?

• Canon G7 X: wins here with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image sharing and remote control via Canon’s smartphone app. It also sports an HDMI output for external monitoring. Unfortunately, no Bluetooth, but its wireless functions cover most enthusiast needs.

• Sigma DP1 Merrill: has no wireless connectivity nor NFC, HDMI, or microphone inputs - an old-school setup reflecting its 2012 design ethos. USB 2.0 is the only interface, primarily for file transfer.

If connectivity is important to you, Canon leads decisively.

Video Performance - Modest vs. Minimalist

If video matters, consider Canon’s G7 X with Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps. The camera records in MPEG-4/H.264 with decent autofocus during recording and digital image stabilization aiding handheld shooting.

On the other hand, Sigma’s DP1 Merrill has a very limited video mode - 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. No audio options, slow to focus, and hardly competitive for any serious video application.

To put it simply: G7 X doubles as a capable vlog or casual video camera. Sigma is strictly photo-only.

Specialized Photography Uses: Who Wins Where?

Let’s break down how these cameras stack up across common photography genres.

Portrait Photography

The G7 X’s fast lens and face/eye detection autofocus deliver punchy, flattering skin tones and subject isolation that appeal for portraits. The wide aperture combined with a 100mm equivalent telephoto end works nicely for bokeh-rich backgrounds.

Sigma’s color depth with its Foveon sensor shines impressively in portraits under good light, rendering subtle skin tone graduations beautifully. Yet manual focus and fixed lens limit spontaneous portrait sessions.

Landscape and Fine Art

Sigma has a clutch advantage here. The larger APS-C Foveon sensor captures exquisite detail and dynamic range, especially in daylight and controlled lighting. The 28mm prime fosters wide vistas with excellent sharpness edge-to-edge.

Canon’s sensor can’t match Sigma’s color depth or dynamic range but offers a wider zoom range and image stabilization, useful in variable terrain or handheld shooting conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is tailor-made for fast wildlife or sports, but the G7 X’s autofocus, burst speed, and portability make it a better bet for casual action. Sigma’s slow AF and lack of continuous shooting outright disqualify it here.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion count. Canon’s compact size, fast autofocus, and silent shutter (though limited) give it an advantage for candid street shots. Sigma, with no silent shutter and slower operation, is less suited for spontaneous capture.

Macro Photography

Canon’s minimum focusing distance of 5cm combined with image stabilization make for decent close-ups. Sigma’s lack of macro modes and manual focus not ideal, but the exceptional detail at close range (if carefully composed) can produce striking images.

Night and Astrophotography

The Canon’s BSI CMOS sensor and max ISO 12800 make it usable in low light, albeit with noise appearing beyond ISO 1600. Sigma’s Foveon sensor struggles at high ISO and long exposures, limiting astrophotographers.

Travel Photography

Canon’s compact size, zoom versatility, and wireless features make it an excellent all-round travel camera for families and enthusiasts. Sigma’s imaging quality impresses but lack of flexibility and battery limitations make it a specialty tool rather than an everyday travel companion.

Professional Workflows

Canon supports standard raw files in CR2 format, integrating easily with popular editing software. Sigma’s proprietary X3F raw files are supported by fewer applications and require more processing time. Canon’s built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI interface enable on-site tethering and previewing options absent on Sigma.

Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Sample Shots

Here’s a set of sample images taken under comparable conditions with both cameras. You can examine the Canon’s sharpness versatility across focal lengths, while the Sigma’s shots show remarkable color accuracy and fine textures especially in daylight.

Canon G7 X front Canon G7 X screen back Sigma DP1 Merrill front Sigma DP1 Merrill screen back

Objective Performance Ratings from Industry Standards

Looking at DxOMark and general performance metrics:

• Canon G7 X scores an overall 71 points, with solid color depth at 23 EV, dynamic range of 12.7 EV, and manageable low-light ISO of 556.

• Sigma DP1 Merrill has no DxOMark score, but expert reviewers praise its color depth and resolution thanks to the Foveon sensor.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

A weighted genre assessment across portrait, landscape, action, and low light:

• Canon G7 X leads in versatility and autofocus-dependent categories.

• Sigma dominates in static, controlled-light image quality sectors.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose Canon G7 X if you want:

• A versatile compact for varied shooting scenarios
• Solid autofocus with face and eye detection
• Good video capture with Full HD at 60p
• Wireless connectivity with NFC and Wi-Fi
• A camera that’s easy to pocket and quick to use
• Reliable battery life with USB charging

Choose Sigma DP1 Merrill if you want:

• Ultimate color fidelity and detail for controlled photography
• Large APS-C Foveon sensor for landscape and fine art
• Willingness to use manual focus and a fixed wide-angle prime
• A specialty tool for portraiture and static subjects without video needs
• No concerns about slow operation or lack of modern conveniences

Final Thoughts

In my years reviewing cameras, it’s rare to find two large sensor compacts so philosophically divergent. The Canon G7 X embodies the all-around enthusiast’s camera - quick, capable, and adaptable. The Sigma DP1 Merrill embodies the artisan’s tool - slow, deliberate, and uncompromising in color. Neither is universally superior; your choice hinges on what you value more: versatility and speed, or ultimate image quality for specific applications.

Dear Canon, if you could update the G7 X with a bit more dynamic range and an EVF, you’d be unstoppable. Sigma, meanwhile, you continue to fascinate with your sensor technology - but I hope for improvements in ergonomics and speed in future models.

Both earn my respect for different reasons; choosing between them comes down to the personality of your photography.

Happy shooting!