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Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Portability
64
Imaging
59
Features
52
Overall
56
Leica X-U front
 
Sigma DP1 Merrill front
Portability
82
Imaging
56
Features
30
Overall
45

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Key Specs

Leica X-U
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 35mm (F1.7-16.0) lens
  • 635g - 140 x 79 x 88mm
  • Introduced January 2016
  • Other Name is Typ 113
Sigma DP1 Merrill
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • " Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 640 x 480 video
  • ()mm (F2.8) lens
  • 330g - 122 x 67 x 64mm
  • Launched February 2012
  • Successor is Sigma DP2 Merrill
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Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Overview

In this article, we are evaluating the Leica X-U versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by companies Leica and Sigma. The image resolution of the X-U (16MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is very close and they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The X-U was introduced 4 years later than the DP1 Merrill and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the X-U matches up vs the DP1 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Leica X-U over the Sigma DP1 Merrill

 X-U DP1 Merrill 
LaunchedJanuary 2016February 2012More recent by 49 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display sizing3""Larger display (+3")

Reasons to pick Sigma DP1 Merrill over the Leica X-U

 DP1 Merrill X-U 

Common features in the Leica X-U and Sigma DP1 Merrill

 X-U DP1 Merrill 
Manually focus Very accurate focus
Display resolution920k920kThe same display resolution
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither features Touch friendly display

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Leica X-U enjoys exterior dimensions of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Leica X-U versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the X-U versus the DP1 Merrill.

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill size comparison

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-U and DP1 Merrill is 64 and 82 respectively.

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill top view buttons comparison

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-U and DP1 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Leica X-U to result in more detail using its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The younger X-U should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill sensor size comparison

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica X-U Portrait photography highlights
Sigma DP1 Merrill Portrait photography highlights
75
focusing manually
MP count good (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
73
manual focus
decent megapixels (15MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Leica X-U Street photography factors
Sigma DP1 Merrill Street photography factors
63
screen articulates
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
environment sealing
does not have image stabilization
heavier than competitors in class (635 grams)
64
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
screen does not articulate
no image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Leica X-U
Sports photography with Sigma DP1 Merrill
54
MP count good (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
environment sealing
better than average battery power (450 shots)
can't change focal length (35mm)
slow continuous shooting (5.0 fps)
does not have image stabilization
doesn't have phase detect AF
48
decent megapixels (15 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
focal length is fixed (()mm)
no image stabilization
no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Leica X-U as a Travel photography camera
Sigma DP1 Merrill as a Travel photography camera
62
better than average battery power (450 per charge)
environment sealing
MP count good (16MP)
built-in flash
good max aperture (f1.7)
does not have Time Lapse function
heavier than competitors in class (635g)
display isn't selfie friendly
54
decent megapixels (15 megapixels)
missing Timelapse recording
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
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Landscape Comparison

Leica X-U Landscape photography advice
Sigma DP1 Merrill Landscape photography advice
63
focusing manually
good max aperture (f1.7)
screen size is good (3 inches)
MP count good (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
environment sealing
better than average battery power (450 CIPA)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (35mm)
does not have image stabilization
does not have Time Lapse function
50
manual focus
decent megapixels (15MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (()mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is somewhat small ( inch)
no image stabilization
missing Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica X-U as a Vlogging camera
Sigma DP1 Merrill as a Vlogging camera
25
good max aperture (f1.7)
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
does not have mic jack
heavier than competitors in class (635g)
22
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.8)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
no image stabilization
video resolution low (640 x 480 pixels)
missing external microphone socket
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Leica X-U vs Sigma DP1 Merrill Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X-U and Sigma DP1 Merrill
 Leica X-USigma DP1 Merrill
General Information
Brand Name Leica Sigma
Model Leica X-U Sigma DP1 Merrill
Also called Typ 113 -
Class Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Introduced 2016-01-20 2012-02-08
Physical type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Chip - Dual TRUE II engine
Sensor type CMOS CMOS (Foveon X3)
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor measurements 23.6 x 15.7mm 24 x 16mm
Sensor area 370.5mm² 384.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 15MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 -
Maximum resolution 4928 x 3264 4704 x 3136
Maximum native ISO 12500 6400
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 11 -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 35mm (1x) ()
Max aperture f/1.7-16.0 f/2.8
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Screen size 3" -
Screen resolution 920 thousand dots 920 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30s -
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000s -
Continuous shooting rate 5.0 frames/s -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 2.00 m (at ISO 100) no built-in flash
Flash options Automatic, automatic/red eye reduction, on, on/red eye reduction, long-term synchronization/red eye reduction, off no built-in flash
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p) 640 x 480
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 640x480
Video data format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 635g (1.40 pounds) 330g (0.73 pounds)
Dimensions 140 x 79 x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") 122 x 67 x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 450 photos -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model BP-DC8 -
Self timer Yes -
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC -
Card slots One One
Launch pricing $3,495 $1,250