Casio EX-100 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

Choosing the right compact camera can be a tricky endeavor given the highly varied approaches manufacturers take to nail image quality, ergonomics, and feature sets in smaller form factors. Today, I’m putting the Casio EX-100, a small-sensor superzoom from 2014, head-to-head with the Sigma DP2 Merrill, a 2012 large-sensor compact with a Foveon sensor famed for its unique color rendition and detail. Both cameras offer manual control and fixed lenses but cater to markedly different photographic philosophies and audiences. Having spent dozens of hours testing both, I will walk you through their attributes - technical depths, real-world performance across photography genres, and value - that truly separate them. Let’s begin by sizing up their physical presence and ergonomics.

Compact Yet Contrasting: Size and Handling

Visually and to the touch, these two cameras bracket two different compact camera traditions. The Casio EX-100 aims for a versatile zoom range with handling geared towards enthusiasts who want easy travel adaptability and fast zooming. Conversely, the Sigma DP2 Merrill is a large-sensor compact designed to deliver ultimate image quality in a fixed prime format, relying heavily on precision over versatility.

The EX-100 measures roughly 119 x 67 x 50 mm and weighs about 389 grams, with a well-contoured grip area facilitating stable handheld shooting, particularly at its telephoto end. Its lens barrel extends smoothly via powered zoom, although this introduces some lens creep if carried lens-down. By contrast, the DP2 Merrill sits at 122 x 67 x 59 mm with a slightly lighter 330 grams, sporting a more boxy shape lacking a dedicated grip but balancing well in the hand due to its snug width and minimalistic design.

This measurement contrast hints at their design priorities: Casio aims for versatility and sturdiness; Sigma focuses on compactness with large sensor quality - despite lacking physical ruggedness on either front.

Control Layout and Operational Intuition

Ergonomics are incomplete without evaluating how photographers interact with the camera in real time, especially manual setting controls and menu navigation - a critical point for serious photographers.

Here, the EX-100 evolves the traditional compact control scheme with dedicated dials and buttons that embrace intuitive access to shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. The tilting 3.5” Super Clear LCD (more on that soon) complements these controls well, enhancing shooting flexibility from awkward angles.

The DP2 Merrill is more minimalist, with fewer physical buttons and a 3” fixed screen. It leans heavily on manual focusing and lacks autofocus convenience modes, requiring patience and precision. Its dual TRUE II engine processes images but leaves some interface elements feeling clunky by modern standards - something I experienced firsthand when adjusting settings.

If you favor tactile immediacy and customizable dials, the EX-100 wins here. For methodical, deliberate composition, the DP2’s simplicity encourages thoughtful shooting but at the expense of speed.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Captures

The heart of any camera’s capability lies in its sensor, and the Casio and Sigma here couldn’t be more different.

The EX-100’s sensor is a modest 1/1.7” CMOS, with 12MP resolution and a sensor area of approximately 41.5 mm². This sensor size is typical for advanced compact models, optimized for fast readout and efficient zoom coverage but limited in dynamic range and noise performance compared to larger sensor cameras.

Conversely, the DP2 Merrill flaunts a large APS-C Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, measuring 24 x 16 mm (384 mm²), nearly ten times the area of the Casio’s sensor. Boasting an effective 15MP resolution through its three-layer color capturing method, this sensor excels in color fidelity and sharpness.

In real-world terms, the DP2 Merrill delivers images with superb micro-contrast and vibrant color accuracy in well-lit situations - truly delightful for fine art, portrait, and landscape work. The Casio can struggle in low light due to its sensor size but surprisingly performs well at daylight and moderate ISO thanks to its image stabilization.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Evaluating Live View Experience

The screens form the direct communication bridge between camera and photographer - critical for framing, focusing, and navigating menus.

Casio has equipped the EX-100 with a 3.5-inch 922k-dot Super Clear LCD that tilts, great for high or low-angle shooting, filling a vital usability gap many compacts overlook. The screen’s clarity and brightness make manual focus confirmation and menu operation user-friendly, even under strong sunlight.

The DP2 Merrill, in contrast, sports a fixed 3-inch 920k-dot panel. While the resolution matches modern standards, the no-tilt design and somewhat matte finish limit flexibility. More frustratingly, the interface design requires menu diving for common adjustments - a hindrance that slows shooting pace especially when compared with the EX-100’s streamlined controls.

For quick and versatile shooting, particularly for street or travel genres where angles and speed matter, the Casio offers a superior live-view experience.

Painting with Light: Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands exceptional skin tone rendition, precise focus on eyes, and smooth pleasing bokeh - domains where sensor type, lens quality, and autofocus converge.

The EX-100’s 28-300mm equivalent fixed zoom lens has a fast f/2.8 aperture wide open, but at tele end, the aperture narrows and bokeh becomes less creamy due to the sensor’s depth-of-field characteristics. Autofocus performance benefits from contrast-detection with 25 focus points and face detection, delivering consistent and reliable eye sharpness in decent light - a real plus for casual or event portraiture.

The DP2 Merrill, fixed with a 50mm f/2.8 prime design, offers shallow depth-of-field and a beautifully sharp, nuanced rendering thanks to its Foveon sensor’s color layering. However, it lacks any autofocus assistance such as eye or face detection; manual focus precision becomes imperative. From hours fine-tuning focus manually, I found rewarding results but this can deter those who need speed or shoot moving subjects.

Bottom line: For polished portraits with minimal fuss and flexible framing, the EX-100 is the friendlier, albeit less optically refined option. For creative photographers prioritizing color richness and bokeh quality - and willing to commit the time - the DP2 Merrill is a rewarding tool.

Capturing Expansive Worlds: Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters yearn for dynamic range, resolution, and weatherproofing to weather the elements.

While neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedness, their optical and sensor traits dictate suitability here.

The Casio’s smaller sensor and general-purpose zoom lens can deliver good resolution at 12MP. It supports RAW format for post-processing latitude and includes bracketing functions. However, its dynamic range and shadow recovery fall short compared to APS-C sensors, and lens distortion is noticeable at extremes.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill’s large sensor shines in capturing subtle tonal gradations, impressive corner-to-corner sharpness at 15MP resolution, and delivers files that stand up well to large prints. Its fixed 50mm lens limits composition flexibility but often encourages thoughtful framing and deeper engagement. Without image stabilization or weather sealing, care is needed for outdoor conditions.

On my several hikes and landscape shoots, the DP2 Merrill’s files required less editing to recover shadows, making it preferred for serious landscape shooters with an eye for color and texture, especially when lighting conditions are favorable.

The Animal Kingdom and Ball Games: Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for autofocus speed and frame rates.

The Casio EX-100 claims a burst rate of 30 frames per second, a likely mechanical/electronic shutter combo that’s impressive on paper and useful for fast-moving sports or wildlife action. It offers AF continuous, tracking, and 25 focus points to help maintain sharpness on moving subjects. Its sensor-shift image stabilization aids clarity during telephoto shots handheld.

In practice, I found the EX-100’s autofocus to be reasonably quick and tracking effective in good light but hesitant in dimmer scenarios. The zoom reach to 300mm at f/2.8 to f/5.6 equivalency is flexible but image quality drops off notably at the long end.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill, meanwhile, lacks continuous AF, tracking, or rapid burst modes (clocks only a 4 fps continuous rate, and that only in ideal conditions). It’s decidedly non-sports oriented and better suited to still life, portraits, and landscape where deliberate composition reigns.

If your primary use is photographing fast-moving subjects or sports, the EX-100 has a clear advantage in autofocus sophistication and shooting speed.

Life on the Street: Discretion and Low-Light Ease

Street photography thrives on portability, unobtrusiveness, and quick operation in shifting light.

Both cameras eschew viewfinders, relying solely on LCD screens for composition. The tilting screen of the EX-100 arguably better supports candid shooting from waist or hip height.

In terms of size and form factor, the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s smaller weight (330g) and compact profile allow for stealthy appearances, useful for unobtrusive street work; but fixed 50mm focal length may limit framing versatility in crowded scenes.

Low light is a challenge for both given limited max ISO: EX-100 tops native 12800 ISO with image stabilization; the DP2 Merrill maxes native ISO at 6400 but suffers from high noise at upper limits. The EX-100’s image stabilization and higher ISO reserve make it more agile for impromptu nighttime street shots.

Overall, I’d recommend the EX-100 for travelers blending street and general photography, while the DP2 Merrill serves contemplative photographers working in controlled light or day settings.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Sharpness

Casio’s EX-100 macro mode allows focusing down to 5 cm, supported by sensor-shift stabilization to minimize blur. This combination implies good handheld macro shooting capability for casual flower or detail shots.

The DP2 Merrill, however, has no true macro focusing mode or close focus specs listed, relying on manual focus to achieve the closest focusing distance. The large sensor and sharp lens yield crisp detail when you get focus right, but this is not an optimized macro tool.

For macro beginners or those needing convenience, the EX-100 offers more flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography: Push the ISO and Exposure

Low light and astrophotography push cameras to their noise control and long exposure limits.

The EX-100 supports shutter speeds up to 20 seconds, exposure bracketing, and has ISO up to 12800 with sensor stabilization - valuable for handheld night exposures.

The DP2 Merrill lacks explicit shutter speed specs but traditionally encourages tripod use due to lack of stabilization and lower top ISO of 6400. Its Foveon sensor, while superb in color fidelity, tends to produce higher noise under extreme low light, so careful exposure and noise mitigation are needed.

Neither camera is truly optimized for astro work, but EX-100’s exposure flexibility and stabilization give it a slight edge for casual night photography.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images with Limits

If video is part of your creative mix, knowing resolution, stabilization, and audio inputs matter.

The Casio EX-100 records Full HD 1920x1080 footage with sensor-shift stabilization ensuring smoother handheld clips. It includes a built-in flash but lacks microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio quality control. No 4K or advanced video modes are available.

By contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill offers only VGA 640x480 video in Motion JPEG format, a clear non-starter for videographers or hybrid shooters. Its lack of stabilization and connectivity seals its fate as a still-only tool.

Travel Ready? Battery Life, Storage, Ports, and Connectivity

Anyone buying compact cameras cares about battery endurance, storage flexibility, and connectivity, especially for travel.

The EX-100 packs a 390-shot battery life, uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, and includes HDMI output plus built-in wireless (though no Bluetooth or NFC). The USB 2.0 port allows tethering and data transfer.

The DP2 Merrill’s battery life and storage specs are less well-documented - indicating shorter endurance typical for large sensor compacts. It accepts a single storage slot but lacks wireless, HDMI, and relies solely on USB 2.0 for connection.

The EX-100 emerges as the more travel-suited camera, with longer battery life and modern connectivity conveniences.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, meaning both require care in adverse conditions. The EX-100’s compact body feels more refined in assembly, while the DP2 Merrill’s minimalist design is robust but less ergonomic.

Value Assessment: Pricing and Who These Cameras Suit

At the time of this comparison, the Casio EX-100 retails around $570, while the Sigma DP2 Merrill comes at about $930 - a significant price gap reflecting fundamental design philosophies.

The EX-100 offers excellent value for enthusiasts seeking a versatile zoom range, stabilized imaging, solid manual controls, and an all-around travel or event camera.

The DP2 Merrill targets image quality purists prepared to embrace slower, deliberate shooting for exceptional color and detail with a large sensor and prime lens, justifying its premium by a niche performance edge.

Final Performance Scores and Genre Highlights

Our exhaustive testing culminated in detailed performance evaluations across genres:

• Portrait: DP2 Merrill delivers superior color fidelity; EX-100 offers faster autofocus and zoom flexibility.
• Landscape: DP2 Merrill dominates dynamic range and sharpness.
• Wildlife & Sports: EX-100 excels in autofocus, burst shooting, and telephoto reach.
• Street: EX-100 offers more shooting agility; DP2 Merrill benefits from discreet weight and portrait-length prime.
• Macro: EX-100’s close-focusing and stabilization favours beginners.
• Night: EX-100’s stabilization and exposure options widen creative range.
• Video: EX-100 provides HD video, albeit limited. DP2 Merrill lacks viable video.
• Travel: EX-100’s zoom versatility, battery life, and connectivity take precedence.
• Professional Work: DP2 Merrill shines for creative applications valuing image quality; EX-100 suits versatile fieldwork.

Stepping into the Gallery: Real-World Image Samples

Comparing sample images brings the specs into vivid reality:

Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Notice the DP2 Merrill’s rich color depth, subtle tonality, and fine detail in a variety of lighting conditions. The EX-100 produces vibrant but more contrasty, slightly softer images particularly at longer focal lengths. Noise performance favors the Sigma in daylight but the Casio holds its own in shadows and mid ISO settings thanks to stabilization.

Who Should Buy Which? Tailoring Camera to Photographer

• Choose the Casio EX-100 if you want:

  • A versatile everyday zoom camera with fast autofocus and stabilization
  • An easy-to-use compact for travel, street, sports, or casual portraits
  • Higher frame rates for action sequences
  • Budget-conscious with good all-around performance

• Choose the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you:

  • Prioritize ultimate image quality, color accuracy, and detail purity
  • Shoot mostly static subjects in controlled lighting (portraits, landscapes, still life)
  • Are willing and eager to master manual focus and slower shooting pace
  • Value APS-C sensor performance in a pocketable body

Wrapping Up: My Hands-On Verdict

Having tested these cameras extensively, I appreciate how they represent different photo philosophies rather than simply competing products. The Casio EX-100 impressed me with its fluid handling, strong stabilization, and versatility - qualities that can suit a broad swath of enthusiasts and travelers demanding flexibility in one package.

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s Foveon sensor delivers unmatched fidelity and color in its segment, rewarding patience and skill with files that sparkle in print and screen. Its limitations in autofocus, UI, and video make it less practical as a generalist, but a gem for image quality obsessives.

I encourage buyers to consider priorities carefully: Do you need speed and reach or purity and resolution? The answers will clearly guide your choice between these two remarkable compacts.

Summary Table

If you have questions about how either camera might handle specific scenarios or want tips on maximizing their strengths, feel free to reach out. From extensive hours shooting with both, I can confidently say neither is a "bad choice" - just distinct tools for distinctive photographic journeys.