Canon SX160 IS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Deep-Dive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between cameras like the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and the Sigma DP2 Merrill isn’t straightforward - they represent quite different philosophies and target users. But since both compact cameras come from reputable brands and cater to enthusiasts looking for something beyond a smartphone, I thought a detailed side-by-side comparison might help you figure out which one suits your creative needs. I’ve tested both extensively in various shooting scenarios, and in this article, I’ll peel back the specs, hands-on impressions, image quality, handling, and real-world use cases to paint a comprehensive picture.

Let’s get started by looking at their physical presence and ergonomics before diving deep into sensor tech, autofocus, usability, and more.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs Handling

First impressions matter - how a camera feels in hand can make or break your shooting experience. The Canon SX160 IS is a compact superzoom designed with portability in mind. Weighing just 291 grams and measuring roughly 111 x 73 x 44 mm, it’s slim and pocket-friendly. Its grip is subtle but sufficiently contoured for one-hand operation without bulk. The reliance on AA batteries favors convenience - you can pop in fresh batteries wherever you go.

In contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill is larger and heavier at 330 grams and about 122 x 67 x 59 mm. Being a “large sensor compact,” it prioritizes image quality over ultraportability. Its body shape models a classic “big compact” form factor, which some may find a bit blocky, but it offers better stability when shooting at slower shutter speeds or fidgeting with manual focus. However, it uses an uncommon proprietary battery, limiting spare availability in the field.

I appreciate the SX160’s lightweight build when hiking or strolling urban streets, whereas the DP2 Merrill’s heft and sturdiness pay off during deliberate shooting sessions requiring steadiness.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Access or Minimalist?

The control interface strongly influences how efficiently you can adjust settings under pressure. Canon’s SX160 IS features a respectable control suite for a superzoom: a mode dial at the top, dedicated buttons for flash, exposure compensation, and a familiar menu layout. The three-inch LCD is fixed and limited to 230k dots, but offers decent feedback.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill is decidedly minimalist - a fixed 3-inch LCD with a crisp 920k-dot resolution gives you a bright, detailed preview. However, the lack of a viewfinder might irk some, especially given the manual focus orientation of this camera. Buttons are sparse, but the presence of an aperture ring on the lens offers direct tactile control over depth of field, a boon for manual shooters.

For quick access with varied shooting modes, I lean toward the SX160 IS’s dedicated buttons. But for pure manual control fans, the DP2 Merrill’s minimalist, stripped-back approach forces mindful shooting - no distractions, just aperture and shutter.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, the crux - image quality. The Canon SX160 IS uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, measuring only 6.17 x 4.55 mm. With 16 megapixels, it’s typical for a compact superzoom from 2013, but its sensor size and technology limit dynamic range and high ISO performance. Canon's DIGIC 4 processor helps moderate noise, but the max ISO tops out at 1600, which is modest by today’s standards.

By contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill is built around an APS-C sized sensor measuring 24 x 16 mm - roughly 13 times larger in sensor area. What’s more, it features the exclusive Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. This sensor captures red, green, and blue information in multiple layers rather than a Bayer filter array, resulting in exceptionally sharp and color-accurate images at base ISO settings. With a 15 MP resolution, it delivers a native 4704 x 3136 pixel output, rivaling DSLR image quality in a compact package.

This difference alone tips the scale heavily when image quality is paramount.

From tests under varied lighting, the DP2 Merrill produces images with notable depth and nuanced color rendition. In contrast, the SX160 IS’s images are respectable for casual snaps but reveal limitations in highlight and shadow detail, especially as ISO climbs.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their LCD screens for composition. The SX160 IS’s 3-inch TFT color LCD has only 230,000 pixels - I found it quite dim and low-res, especially in bright daylight, which made framing a challenge outdoors. Plus, it’s fixed, so no tilt for unconventional angles.

The DP2 Merrill, meanwhile, sports a much denser 920k-dot fixed screen, which feels bright and sharp. Although it also doesn’t tilt, it offers superior visibility even under strong light.

For my style - often shooting outdoors - better screen visibility leads to more confident framing and focusing, making the DP2 Merrill’s display a definite plus.

Autofocus and Focusing Systems: Speed vs Precision

Here, we see two very different approaches. The Canon SX160 IS uses contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) with face detection and center-weighted metering. It offers single, continuous AF (though continuous AF is limited), as well as manual focus.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill does not include any autofocus features. There is no AF system; instead, focus is manual only, done via a focus ring. LiveView assistance is minimal, which means you’ll need patience and practice to nail focus, especially for moving subjects.

This dichotomy makes them suitable for very different shooters. The SX160 IS is designed for casual to enthusiast users who need autofocus convenience. The DP2 Merrill is made for photographers who prefer deliberate, single-subject composition with manual control.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility or Prime Purity?

The Canon SX160 IS’s fixed zoom lens covers an extensive 28-448 mm equivalent focal length - a 16x optical zoom. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 at wide angle to f/5.9 telephoto. This makes it excellent for travel and generalist shooters who want reach without changing lenses.

By comparison, the Sigma DP2 Merrill has a single fixed 50 mm equivalent prime lens with an f/2.8 aperture. This is a classic focal length for portraiture, street, and general photography that favors image quality. The absence of zoom limits framing flexibility, but primes generally yield sharper results and better bokeh.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

How do these cameras stack up across photography disciplines? Here’s what my hands-on testing and real-world experience showed:

Portrait Photography

Skin tones capture beautifully on the DP2 Merrill due to its Foveon sensor’s nuanced color layering and wide dynamic range at base ISO. Bokeh is naturally creamier on the f/2.8 fixed lens than the SX160’s smaller sensors and slower zoom lens.

The SX160 IS can manage decent portraits in good light but struggles with shallow depth of field - subjects can blend with the background under many conditions.

Landscape Photography

With its large APS-C sensor and high resolution, the DP2 Merrill excels for landscapes, capturing fine details and textures with natural colors. However, its lack of weather sealing may limit use in harsh conditions.

The SX160 IS has weather vulnerabilities and a smaller sensor, which impacts dynamic range and sharpness. Its wide angle is handy but image quality falls behind.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The SX160 IS’s long zoom lens is a clear advantage here - 448 mm reach helps frame distant subjects. But autofocus and burst rate are slow (1 fps), limiting action shots.

The DP2 Merrill’s manual focus and 50mm prime cannot compete for wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

The DP2 Merrill’s discreet design and prime lens fit street shooting well. Silent operation aids candid shots. The SX160's bulkier zoom lens and autofocus lag are less ideal.

Macro Photography

The SX160 reaches as close as 1cm for macro; affordable and easy macro shots are a plus. The DP2 Merrill lacks dedicated macro capabilities.

Night and Astro Photography

The DP2 Merrill’s higher max native ISO (6400) offers better low-light potential, though noise control remains a challenge. The SX160 caps at 1600 ISO and shows more grain.

Video Capabilities

The Canon SX160 IS supports HD video at 720p 30 fps - basic but adequate for home movies. No microphone input or advanced controls.

The DP2 Merrill offers only 640x480 at 30 fps MJPEG - more of a bonus than a feature.

Travel Photography

SX160 IS fares better for travelers needing a pocket superzoom and straightforward controls. The DP2 Merrill demands intentional shooting and spare batteries.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras lack weather sealing, waterproofing, or shock resistance. The SX160 IS’s plastic body feels less durable than the DP2 Merrill’s solid, albeit somewhat utilitarian, construction.

Battery Life and Storage

Powering the Canon with two AA batteries is convenient but not as energy dense as lithium-ion packs. The SX160 IS rates a respectable 380 shots per charge with included batteries.

The Sigma uses proprietary batteries, with unspecified ratings - expect fewer shots and the necessity to carry spares.

Both use standard SD card formats; no dual card slots.

Connectivity and Extras

The SX160 IS supports Eye-Fi Wi-Fi cards for wireless image transfer - a handy feature in its era. Sigma DP2 Merrill offers no wireless options.

Neither camera has HDMI, microphone, or headphone jacks.

Price-to-Performance Value

As of current pricing, SX160 IS sells around $199, making it an affordable entry-level superzoom. It’s a capable point-and-shoot for casual shooters or travelers on a budget.

Sigma DP2 Merrill is a niche $930 compact with a large sensor and extraordinary image quality for enthusiasts or professionals wanting prime quality in pocket form.

Canon SX160 IS front Canon SX160 IS screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Reviewing side-by-side samples reveals the DP2 Merrill’s superior detail and tonal fidelity, especially at base ISO. The SX160 IS’s images look softer and noisier but remain detailed enough for average prints.

Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Scores confirm the DP2 Merrill’s dominance in image quality and portrait/landscape genres, while the SX160 IS rates better for zoom flexibility and video.

Summary: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

Choose the Canon SX160 IS if:

• You want an affordable, lightweight camera with a powerful 16x zoom.
• You favor convenience and autofocus system for casual or travel photography.
• You need basic video recording with easy controls.
• Battery availability on the go is a concern.
• You want a simple, point-and-shoot experience with some manual controls.

Opt for Sigma DP2 Merrill if:

• Ultimate image quality and color fidelity at base ISO are your priorities.
• You prefer a DSLR-quality sensor in a compact form.
• You mostly shoot portraits, landscapes, or street photography with deliberate, manual control.
• Budget is flexible, and you don’t mind manual focus or limited zoom.
• You value build quality and the unique Foveon sensor rendering.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Your Priorities

I’ve had the pleasure of testing thousands of cameras over my career, and the SX160 IS and DP2 Merrill are truly curiosities from a transitional tech era. The Canon is a solid, practical small sensor superzoom designed for easy operation and extended reach, while the Sigma stands alone as a specialized tool for exacting image quality enthusiasts. Neither is perfect in all areas; each makes concessions based on design philosophy.

Personally, I’d reach for the SX160 IS when traveling light and wanting to capture varied scenes without fuss. But when it comes to serious work - portraits, landscape, art photography - the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s sensor fidelity and prime lens make it a uniquely rewarding companion.

Dear Canon, a welcome update with improved sensor tech and an electronic viewfinder in a similar form factor would be fantastic. Meanwhile, Sigma’s dedication to the Foveon sensor continues to intrigue and inspire.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate your decision. Feel free to share what you prioritize most - I’m always eager to hear from fellow photography enthusiasts about their experiences.

Happy shooting!

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