Canon SX50 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Following is a extended analysis of the Canon SX50 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SX50 HS (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty close but the SX50 HS (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX50 HS was announced 12 months after the DP2 Merrill so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX50 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the SX50 HS grades vs the DP2 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX50 HS Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX50 HS offers outside dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 106mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX50 HS vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SX50 HS vs the DP2 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX50 HS and DP2 Merrill is 65 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX50 HS and DP2 Merrill.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX50 HS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will provide you with more detail with its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher SX50 HS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.