Casio EX-ZR100 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Below is a extended analysis of the Casio EX-ZR100 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Casio and Sigma. The image resolution of the EX-ZR100 (12MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty close but the EX-ZR100 (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The EX-ZR100 was brought out 8 months before the SD1 Merrill and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Casio EX-ZR100 being a Compact camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the EX-ZR100 grades against the SD1 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Casio Exilim EX-ZR100 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Casio EX-ZR100 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Casio EX-ZR100 provides outside measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 Merrill has proportions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Examine the Casio EX-ZR100 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the EX-ZR100 and the SD1 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the EX-ZR100 and SD1 Merrill is 92 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the difference in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the EX-ZR100 and SD1 Merrill.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The EX-ZR100 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will render extra detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older EX-ZR100 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.