Fujifilm X100S vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Hands-On Comparison for the Serious Shooter

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, choices can be both thrilling and daunting. For photographers craving excellent image quality in a pocketable form - yet unwilling to compromise on certain professional features - two cameras often surface in discussions: Fujifilm’s X100S and Sigma’s DP2 Merrill. Both hail from slightly different design philosophies and target audiences, so today, I’ll take you through an in-depth, no-nonsense, comparative tour of these two.

Having worked extensively with compact cameras over the past 15 years - including both these models - I’ll share not only specs but how these translate into real-world shooting, lens quality, handling, and ultimately, photographic joy. Whether you’re a street shooter, landscape enthusiast, or even a budding professional seeking a second body, this comparison is customized for you.

First Impressions: Size, Weight, and Build Quality - The Physical Feel Matters

Before cracking open the specs and image quality, it pays off to understand what it feels like to hold and shoot with these cameras. That tactile feedback and ergonomics often make a big difference during long shoots.

Fujifilm X100S

• Dimensions: 127 x 74 x 54 mm
• Weight: 445 g (with battery)
• Body: Magnesium alloy with retro style, thoughtfully designed grip

Sigma DP2 Merrill

• Dimensions: 122 x 67 x 59 mm
• Weight: 330 g
• Body: Plastic-heavy, less ergonomic than Fuji, blocky design

The X100S feels solid and deliberate - a chunky little brick with just the right heft and built like a miniature tank, which appeals to users who want durability. Its dimpled grip and clubs-for-thumbs layout offer decent handling even for larger hands. On the other hand, the Sigma DP2 Merrill, while lighter, feels more toy-like in my hands and is definitely more of a "tuck-it-and-forget-it" sort of camera for street or travel shooting. The button layout isn’t as intuitive, and the lack of a built-in viewfinder affects the shooting experience, especially outdoors in bright light.

Looking at design from the top, the cameras’ control logic differs.

The X100S boasts a top plate dimpled dial for shutter speed, dedicated exposure compensation wheel, and aperture ring on the fixed lens (more on that later). These tactile controls are fantastic for fast adjustments without digging through menus - a real boon when shooting events or street scenes. The Sigma DP2 Merrill, by contrast, has a more minimal top deck, relying extensively on menus and fewer dedicated dials, making it less instinctive but more minimalist.

Ergonomics verdict: If you're grabbing your camera hundreds of times a day, Fuji wins hands down - with one simple caveat: If your pockets or camera bag space is ultra-tight, the Sigma’s slightly smaller size and weight might appeal.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now to the main attraction - image quality. Both cameras flaunt APS-C sensors, but the Fujifilm and Sigma take vastly different approaches:

X-Trans vs. Foveon:
The Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor uses a unique color filter array designed to reduce moiré and false colors without an anti-aliasing (AA) filter. This means sharper images with particularly pleasing color reproducibility, especially skin tones. The Sigma DP2 Merrill uses a Foveon X3 sensor technology that captures full color at each pixel location by stacking three photodiodes - one for each RGB color. This yields incredibly detailed, film-like quality but at the cost of higher noise at elevated ISOs and slower readout.

Real-World Image Quality

In daylight, the DP2 Merrill shines with an almost jewel-like rendering of detail - perfect for macro-like still-lifes and landscapes where subtle textures matter. Its rendition of green foliage and blues is extraordinary, and you may prefer its natural, organic feel.

The X100S also delivers superb image quality, with sharper edges and better dynamic range performance in shadows and highlights. It offers a more flexible ISO range, which helps in varied lighting conditions like events or street photography.

Fujifilm X100S front Fujifilm X100S screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Resolution and details

Both cameras deliver around 15-16 MP resolution, but the Sigma’s Foveon sensor gives an effective higher perceived resolution due to the three layers capturing individual colors. However, pixel-peepers may note Fuji’s X-Trans sensor produces cleaner, more usable files at higher ISO.

Lens and Optical Performance: Fixed, But Far From Rigid

Fixed lens cameras rely heavily on their lens, so let's talk optics:

• X100S: 35mm equivalent focal length with fast f/2.0 aperture
• DP2 Merrill: 50mm equivalent with f/2.8 aperture

The wide-ish 35mm of the Fuji X100S makes it versatile for street photography, environmental portraits, and landscapes. Its bright f/2 aperture allows pleasant background separation and decent low-light capability. Plus, the X100S lens features manual aperture rings, focusing rings, and a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder - offering flexibility and control even in tricky light.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill offers a “nifty fifty” field of view, popular for portraits and detail work. However, its f/2.8 aperture is slower, which may hinder performance in lower light. The Sigma lens is a prime optic designed for pin-sharp quality, boasting minimal distortion and outstanding detail reproduction, but its lack of autofocus sophistication (more below) limits practical usability somewhat.

Macro capability

Fujifilm X100S supports a close focusing distance of 10 cm, which is impressive and useful for macro or detail shots on the fly. Sigma does not specify a macro focusing range, but it isn’t optimized for close-up work.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: How Quickly Can You Nail the Shot?

Autofocus can make or break a shooting experience, especially for dynamic subjects.

The X100S employs a 49-point contrast-detection AF system. While contrast AF is slower than phase detection, the X100S’s implementation is quite snappy for its era - reliable for street and casual wildlife near. However, it lacks advanced subject tracking and face/eye detection features which are commonplace today.

Sigma DP2 Merrill, on the other hand, is strictly manual focus. This sets a steep learning curve, and in fast-paced environments such as sports or wildlife, the Sigma’s AF limitations become painfully obvious. You can focus magnify via live view, but this requires a patient shooter or tripod use.

Burst shooting

The Fuji lets you shoot at 6 frames per second, excellent for street candids or even moderate action. The Sigma’s 4 fps is undercut by manual focus limitations.

Viewfinder and Screen: What You See is What You Get

Composing and reviewing images depends heavily on displays and viewfinders:

• Fujifilm X100S: 2.8-inch TFT LCD (460k dots), plus a hybrid Electronic and Optical Tunnel Viewfinder (2350 dots) with 90% coverage
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: 3-inch fixed LCD (920k dots), no viewfinder at all

From my testing, Fuji’s hybrid viewfinder is a real jewel - one of the best retro-style comps in the market. It lets you switch between optical clarity outdoors and precise electronic framing, even displaying exposure info and focusing aids on the fly. Sigma’s lack of viewfinder is a dealbreaker in bright light or fast action; you have to rely on the LCD alone, which isn’t always ideal.

The Sigma’s higher resolution LCD offers sharper image review but lacks touch or live AF assist. Both cameras have fixed LCDs - not tilting or articulating - so low and high-angle shooting requires some body contorting.

Video Capabilities: A Quick Rundown

Both cameras come from an era when video was secondary, yet they do offer basic recording features.

In comparison, the X100S offers respectable Full HD video at up to 60 fps. The video quality is serviceable but not spectacular - manual focus during video is tricky and external audio is limited by lack of mic input. Sigma’s offering is almost vestigial, VGA resolution at 30 fps without sound input, making it almost useless for modern video purposes.

Bottom line: if video factors at all in your workflow, Fuji is miles ahead.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Fuji’s estimated battery life at 330 shots is decent, given the electronics and viewfinder. This fits a full day’s shooting if you alternate usage and keep LCD usage moderate. In contrast, Sigma’s battery life specs are murky. User experience suggests it runs shorter and you’ll want spares or mains power for extended trips.

Wireless transfer is limited but available on Fuji via Eye-Fi card compatibility - allowing you an easy path to Wi-Fi transfer via compatible SD cards. Sigma offers no wireless features and has minimal connectivity ports.

Which Camera Excels in Different Photography Genres?

No single camera is perfect for every discipline, so how do these two stack up in various real-world uses?

Portraits

Fuji X100S dominates here with pleasing skin tone reproduction, effective f/2 aperture for creamy bokeh, and quick manual or autofocus. Sigma DP2 Merrill’s 50mm length is great but slower aperture and manual AF make portraits more challenging and slower.

Landscape

Sigma’s jaw-dropping detail capture through the Foveon sensor shines here, delivering breathtaking dynamic range and nuanced tones - perfect for tripod-based, deliberate shooting. Fuji is versatile but less specialized for landscapes, though it does offer better ease of use in the field.

Wildlife

Neither camera is designed for high-speed wildlife action, but X100S’s 6 fps burst and AF capability clearly work better than Sigma’s manual focus-only approach.

Street Photography

Fuji’s compact size, quick controls, hybrid viewfinder, and decent low light ISO touch make it a perfect street camera. Sigma’s slower operation suits more contemplative compositions but lacks versatility.

Macro

Fujifilm supports close focus down to 10 cm for impromptu macro shots; Sigma struggles here.

Night/Astro

The Fuji’s better high ISO and longer shutter capability give it an edge under the stars.

Video

Fujifilm X100S provides usable Full HD video, Sigma effectively does not.

Travel

Images matter, but so does convenience. Fuji strikes a great balance of size, weight, performance, and battery life for travel. Sigma’s image quality is tempting but convenience will frustrate some.

User Interface and Workflow: The Devil is in the Details

Both cameras eschew touchscreen here (by the way, not a huge loss, touch on compact cameras of this era was often imprecise). The Fuji’s interface sits between traditional dials and menus, with wheels that feel satisfying under fingers, and an intuitive menu system. Sigma depends heavily on menus for exposure and settings, which can slow down quick shots.

The Fuji also benefits from Fujifilm’s mature RAW file support and solid post-processing options with X-Trans sensor tailored software. Sigma’s Foveon RAW files are unique and often require dedicated Sigma software workflow, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Pricing and Value: Who Gets the Better Bang for the Buck?

At launch, the Fujifilm X100S sold for approximately $1,299, whereas the Sigma DP2 Merrill hit the market at around $930. Given their age, used prices can vary, but the Fuji generally commands a higher price.

The higher price of the Fuji is justified by its superior autofocus, hybrid viewfinder, video capability, and user experience improvements. Sigma’s allure lies in its unique sensor and image quality for demanding photographers who prioritize maximum resolution and color fidelity, and don’t mind slower, more deliberate shooting.

For budget-conscious buyers wanting all-around performance without compromise, Fuji is wiser. For cheapskates who prioritize image quality above all, Sigma’s DP2 Merrill may have appeal but with practical frustrations.

Summary: Pros and Cons at a Glance

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Fujifilm X100S is, in my experience, the more versatile and user-friendly camera, excelling in fast-paced, everyday shooting scenarios. Its sharp APS-C X-Trans II sensor combined with excellent ergonomics and the iconic hybrid viewfinder make it a joy for street photographers, event shooters, and travel enthusiasts. Its video capabilities and wireless options add value to modern workflows.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill is a specialty tool. It rewards patience and precision, delivering arguably unique image quality reminiscent of medium format when handled carefully on tripod or with slow composition. It’s better suited for photographers who prioritize fine details and color nuances in controlled conditions, and who don’t mind manual focusing and slower operational speed.

My personal workflow-tested recommendation: If you want a camera that adapts to a wide range of shooting styles and challenges, lean toward Fujifilm X100S. If you’re a pixel perfectionist hunting razor-sharp, detailed imagery for landscapes or still lifes and willing to embrace the quirks and workflow complexity, the Sigma DP2 Merrill will be a rewarding companion.

Whatever your choice, remember these two represent a fascinating chapter in large sensor compact history - both pushing boundaries in sensor and lens engineering, and both creating images that stand the test of time.

Happy shooting!