Fujifilm X100T vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Deep Dive into Two Unique Large Sensor Compacts

Having personally tested both the Fujifilm X100T and the Sigma DP2 Merrill extensively, I can confidently say these two large sensor compact cameras represent very different philosophies in image-making. They share a category but diverge in approach, features, and use cases in ways that can strongly guide your choice depending on your photography style and expectations.

This detailed comparison draws on years of experience photographing everything from portraits to night skies, dissecting each camera’s technical merits, real-world usability, and how they truly perform as creative tools.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Physical Feel and Handling

Right out of the gate, these cameras reveal their characters physically. The Fujifilm X100T carries a somewhat classic rangefinder look, marrying retro design cues with modern controls. The Sigma DP2 Merrill is minimalistic and more compact, but the trade-offs in ergonomics become clear once you pick it up for extended use.

Size & Build: The X100T is larger and heavier (440g vs. 330g for the DP2 Merrill) but this adds to its stability and handling comfort. Its deeper grip and well-placed dials invite quick adjustments, which is essential for dynamic shooting scenarios like street or sports photography. The Sigma’s smaller form factor suits those wanting something truly pocketable but can feel cramped, especially if you have larger hands.

Material & Durability: Neither camera is weather-sealed, and both feel predominantly plastic with metal accents. However, Fujifilm’s build feels noticeably more solid and refined - a reflection of their more established reputation in crafting enthusiast-friendly compacts. The Sigma leans towards a niche audience, prioritizing image quality over tactile comfort.

Ergonomics: The X100T’s top plate layout integrates familiar features - dedicated shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO dials - fine-tuned after years of user feedback. The Sigma DP2 Merrill lacks dedicated dials, resulting in a more menu-driven operation that can slow workflow.

This first impression sets the tone: the X100T is the more tactile, user-centric design, ideal for a photographer who values manual controls and responsive handling, while the DP2 Merrill is for photographers who prioritize sensor and lens quality above all else and can accommodate a different shooting pace.

Design and Control Layout: Finding Your Rhythm

Diving deeper, the control scheme and interface critically affect the shooting experience. I often find that the physical interface encourages or stifles creativity - when the controls are intuitive, you spend less time fiddling and more time creating.

The Fujifilm X100T boasts a refreshing dial-centric design. Shutter speed and exposure compensation dials are immediately accessible without removing your eye from the viewfinder – a crucial benefit in fast-changing light conditions. The dual hybrid viewfinder (optical and electronic) with decent resolution (2360 dots) is a standout feature, offering flexibility whether you want the traditional “rangefinder” experience or need precise framing.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill has no viewfinder or dedicated external controls aside from a typical mode dial and a few buttons, so nearly everything requires menu negotiation. This inherently slows you down, especially in situations where quick settings changes help seize fleeting moments. The screen resolution is lower (920 dots), and without touch sensitivity, live adjustments feel dated.

The combination of these design choices clearly impacts usability across photography disciplines. Street photographers and photojournalists would likely appreciate the X100T’s tactile head start, whereas extreme detail-oriented shooters - especially in controlled environments - might tolerate the Sigma’s trade-offs for its image quality.

Sensor Technology: The Heart of Image Quality

A camera’s sensor dictates much of its imaging character and capability. Comparing the Fujifilm X100T’s X-Trans II APS-C CMOS sensor with the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s unique Foveon X3 APS-C sensor reveals distinct philosophies and results.

Fujifilm X100T Sensor:

• 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor (23.6x15.8mm)
• Traditional Bayer pattern replacement designed to reduce moiré without an optical low-pass filter
• Native ISO range 200-6400 (expandable to 100-51200)
• Backed by EXR Processor II for fast performance

Sigma DP2 Merrill Sensor:

• 15MP APS-C Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (24x16mm)
• X3 sensor captures full color information on three stacked layers, supposedly delivering extremely rich color fidelity and detail
• Native ISO 100-6400, no ISO expansion
• Dual TRUE II image processors

From a technical perspective, the Sigma’s Foveon sensor is intriguing for its per-pixel color depth, but it traditionally comes with challenges in noise levels and dynamic range compared to Bayer sensors. The Fujifilm’s X-Trans II sensor strikes a solid balance between resolution, noise control, and color accuracy, enhanced by years of firmware fine-tuning.

In practice, I found the X100T produces vibrant yet natural skin tones, pleasing dynamic range in landscapes, and more forgiving high ISO performance. The Sigma, meanwhile, delivers extremely sharp, painterly color reproduction and detail in base ISO but struggles beyond ISO 400, with noise creeping up faster.

The Optical Equation: Lenses and Focal Lengths in Constant Battle

Both cameras come with fixed prime lenses reflecting their design as large sensor compacts, but their focal lengths and apertures cater to different photographic intentions.

• Fujifilm X100T: 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm on full frame)
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: 50mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 75mm on full frame)

The 35mm equivalent on the X100T is a classic, versatile focal length favored in street, documentary, and environmental portraiture. The fast f/2 aperture provides decent shallow depth of field and reasonable low-light ability, though not as bright as some faster primes. I found this lens’s rendering pleasantly sharp with classic Fuji color character and minimal distortion.

The DP2 Merrill’s 50mm equivalent lens is tighter, better suited for portraits, still life, and selective framing. The f/2.8 maximum aperture, while respectable, limits background separation compared to the X100T. However, Sigma’s lens benefits from optimized optics tailored specifically to the Foveon’s unique sensor, producing razor-sharp images - especially in daylight. Its macro capacity is not explicitly defined, limiting its use for close-up work.

Both lenses are fixed, so your shooting style needs to work within their constraints, highlighting the importance of composition skills. The X100T’s slightly wider perspective provides more contextual storytelling room, while the DP2 Merrill is more intimate and detail-focused.

Live View, Viewfinders, and Screen Usability

Getting a feel for composition and reviewing images relies on good displays and viewfinder options.

The X100T comes with a fixed 3” LCD at 1040k-dot resolution, showing crisp previews and facilitating menu navigation. You get both electronic and optical tunnel viewfinder options, a hallmark of the X100 series, which provides flexibility in different lighting and shooting preferences. This hybrid viewfinder can be quickly toggled, allowing optical framing when battery conservation or eye comfort is prioritized, and electronic mode for exposure preview.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill offers a 3” LCD at a slightly lower resolution (920k dots) but notably lacks any kind of viewfinder. Composing solely on the LCD can be awkward in bright daylight or when attempting more precise framing, which can hinder creative control especially in moving subjects or fast-paced photography.

For me, the hybrid finder and superior LCD on the Fujifilm elevate it for prolonged shoots, making it easier to maintain focus and composition in varied conditions.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Having a responsive autofocus (AF) system is critical for many photographic genres. Here, the cameras diverge sharply.

The Fujifilm X100T offers a hybrid autofocus system employing both phase and contrast detection with 49 focus points, including face detection and continuous AF modes. I found it reasonably quick and accurate, especially in good light. Tracking moving subjects, such as in street or sports settings, was manageable though not professional-grade. It supports focus peaking for manual focus, which makes precision easier.

In contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill has no autofocus; all focusing is manual, which requires more deliberate composing and works better in static or still life situations. Its lack of face detection or AF points limits its practical use in fast-moving subjects or candid photography.

Additionally, the X100T supports 6fps continuous shooting, helping capture fleeting moments, whereas the DP2 Merrill tops out at 4fps. While neither is designed for sports or wildlife photography, the X100T’s faster burst rate and AF system afford it more versatility in active environments.

Image Stabilization, Flash, and Low-Light Performance

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can be a dealbreaker for handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds. The X100T compensates somewhat with a relatively bright f/2 fixed lens and electronic shutter capabilities allowing speeds up to 1/32000s - excellent for shooting wide open in bright conditions.

The DP2 Merrill’s f/2.8 aperture is slower and combined with a manual focus system, it is best suited for tripod or steady hands in lower light.

Flash-wise, the X100T includes a built-in pop-up flash with multiple modes, including slow synchro and commander mode for wireless triggering. The Sigma offers no built-in flash, so you must rely on external lighting for fill or low-light situations.

For nighttime or astro work, the X100T well surpasses Sigma’s limited 640x480 motion JPEG video and low ISO flexibility, supporting higher ISO sensitivity and solid noise control up to ISO 3200 or more.

Video Features and Connectivity

Video is an increasingly essential tool for hybrid shooters.

The Fujifilm X100T records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps with H.264 compression. It includes a microphone port but lacks headphones output, allowing basic external audio capture. While not a cinema-grade rig, it provides usable footage for travel, documentary, and casual videography.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill’s video capabilities are minimal - limited to 640x480 resolution and Motion JPEG format, with neither microphone nor HDMI ports. Video is clearly an afterthought on this camera.

Connectivity favors the X100T: built-in Wi-Fi supports wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps, improving workflow flexibility. The Sigma lacks any wireless or GPS features.

Battery Life and Storage

The Fujifilm NP-95 battery offers about 330 shots per charge, reliable enough for a day’s shooting with some reserves. The Sigma does not publish official battery life figures; from my tests, it is shorter-lived and dependent on usage, which can be frustrating in the field.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot, with Fujifilm supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards - standard for easy storage expansion and compatibility.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Genres

To give you a clear view of how these cameras hold up in practical scenarios, here’s a rundown of my personal impressions and test images across diverse genres - with samples included.

Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Portraiture

• Fujifilm X100T: Produces lifelike skin tones with warm, natural color reproduction. The f/2 aperture delivers a pleasant bokeh and good subject isolation. Face detection AF ensures sharp eyes in good light.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Its 50mm equivalent lens yields flattering compression and detail, but manual focus makes nail-sharp portraits challenging in quick sessions. Colors are extremely rich but can look oversaturated depending on processing preferences.

Landscape Photography

• X100T: The 16MP sensor combined with the 35mm focal length captures scenic vistas well, with good dynamic range preserving shadow and highlight detail. Weather sealing is absent but the camera feels robust for outdoor use.
• DP2 Merrill: Outstanding image detail at base ISO, but shorter dynamic range compared to Fujifilm can result in clipped highlights or closed shadows under challenging light.

Wildlife & Sports

Neither camera is purpose-built here, but…

• X100T AF speed and 6fps burst help capture some wildlife moments, especially birds at rest or slow moving subjects.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill manual focus and slower shooting speed make it unsuitable for fast action.

Street Photography

• X100T’s quiet operation, hybrid viewfinder, and responsive controls make it excellent for discreet candid shooting. Lens focal length is a sweet spot; the camera is small enough for street portability but with enough weight for stability.
• DP2 Merrill is small but slower handling and no AF limit its efficacy for spontaneous moments.

Macro and Close-up Work

• X100T macro minimum focus distance (10cm) is decent; the f/2 aperture allows selective focus and good detail.
• DP2 Merrill lacks macro data and focusing aids, less convenient for flower or product shots.

Night and Astro Photography

• X100T excels with support for extended exposures up to 30s and high ISO capabilities. The electronic shutter helps reduce vibrations.
• DP2 Merrill is limited by ISO 100 base and slow lens; long exposures and noise become challenging.

Video

• X100T provides Full HD with smooth frame rates and decent audio inputs for casual filmmaking.
• DP2 Merrill video is very basic and unlikely to satisfy multimedia needs.

Travel and Professional Use

• X100T wins as a versatile travel companion thanks to Wi-Fi, longer battery life, and balanced features.
• DP2 Merrill might appeal to professional photographers seeking uncompromising image quality in controlled settings but lacks workflow conveniences.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Performance Scoring

I incorporated extensive benchmark data and user testing scores to objectively frame my findings.

Looking at these overall ratings and…

…it becomes clear that the Fujifilm X100T scores higher across nearly all categories, reflecting its balance of speed, usability, and image quality. The Sigma DP2 Merrill’s niche strength in color fidelity and static image quality shines only in very specific genres like studio still life or fine art reproduction.

Expert Takeaway: Who Should Choose Which?

After evaluating these cameras thoroughly in the field and studio, here’s my clear advice:

Choose the Fujifilm X100T if you:

• Need a versatile, fast, and tactile camera for street, travel, and everyday photography
• Want a hybrid viewfinder and reliable autofocus for dynamic shooting
• Value video capabilities, Wi-Fi, and longer battery life
• Prefer a classic 35mm equivalent lens with good low-light control
• Desire a creative tool that empowers spontaneity and deliberate shooting

Choose the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you:

• Are a still-life, fine art, or landscape photographer focused on maximum color fidelity and sharpness in controlled conditions
• Don’t mind manual focus and slower handling when image quality is paramount
• Seek a compact camera with a longer 50mm equivalent lens for portraits and detail work
• Are okay with limited video and connectivity functionality

Final Reflections

In my journey as a professional and enthusiast, I have learned that a camera’s value extends far beyond specs and pixel counts. The tangible feel, intuitive controls, and reliability under diverse real-world conditions often make the difference between a camera you love and one you tolerate.

The Fujifilm X100T is a wonderful all-around shooter with vintage charm, modern convenience, and a forgiving sensor-lens combination. The Sigma DP2 Merrill, while less user-friendly, rewards the patient artist with unique color rendition and detail in static compositions.

I hope this comparison empowers you to select the camera best aligned with your creative ambitions and practical needs. Remember, the best camera is the one that inspires you to raise it frequently and capture the world as you see it.

Happy shooting!

Note: All conclusions derive from hands-on testing with production models, calibrated with industry-standard targets and real-life shooting scenarios. Neither manufacturer influenced this analysis.