Canon SX40 HS vs Sigma DP1

The following is a complete overview of the Canon SX40 HS versus Sigma DP1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the SX40 HS (12MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the SX40 HS (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SX40 HS was released 3 years after the DP1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SX40 HS scores versus the DP1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Sigma DP1. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX40 HS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX40 HS has got outer measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 has sizing of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX40 HS versus Sigma DP1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SX40 HS against the DP1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX40 HS and DP1 is 64 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX40 HS and DP1.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SX40 HS featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Canon SX40 HS will show more detail as a result of its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher SX40 HS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.