Canon SX1 IS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Here is a in depth analysis of the Canon SX1 IS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and DP1 Merrill (15MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX1 IS was announced 3 years before the DP1 Merrill and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SX1 IS grades vs the DP1 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX1 IS enjoys outer dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") having a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Canon SX1 IS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX1 IS compared to the DP1 Merrill.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SX1 IS and DP1 Merrill is 64 and 82 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX1 IS and DP1 Merrill.

To sum up, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX1 IS using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will result in extra detail with its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older SX1 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.