Canon SX20 IS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Canon SX20 IS and Sigma DP1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly comparable but the SX20 IS (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX20 IS was launched 19 months prior to the DP1 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SX20 IS scores against the DP1 Merrill when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SX20 IS provides outer measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX20 IS and Sigma DP1 Merrill in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SX20 IS and the DP1 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and DP1 Merrill is 65 and 82 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing specs. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and DP1 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX20 IS due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be behind in sensor tech.