Canon SX1 IS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Below is a in depth review of the Canon SX1 IS and Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SX1 IS was released 3 years earlier than the DP2 Merrill and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SX1 IS scores versus the DP2 Merrill in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX1 IS has outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") having a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Canon SX1 IS and Sigma DP2 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SX1 IS compared to the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX1 IS and DP2 Merrill is 64 and 83 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The graphic underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX1 IS and DP2 Merrill.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX1 IS due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will offer more detail as a result of its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older SX1 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.