Canon SX280 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Let's look more in depth at the Canon SX280 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SX280 HS (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the SX280 HS (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The SX280 HS was unveiled 14 months later than the DP2 Merrill which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX280 HS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX280 HS grades vs the DP2 Merrill in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Canon SX280 HS Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX280 HS has outside dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX280 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SX280 HS versus the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX280 HS and DP2 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX280 HS and DP2 Merrill.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX280 HS using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will produce extra detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent SX280 HS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.