Nikon D300S vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Lets look a little more closely at the Nikon D300S and Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sigma. The image resolution of the D300S (12MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly well matched and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The D300S was revealed 3 years earlier than the SD1 Merrill and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the D300S grades against the SD1 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D300S & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Nikon D300S Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon D300S features outer measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has proportions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D300S and Sigma SD1 Merrill in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the D300S against the SD1 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the D300S and SD1 Merrill is 55 and 57 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the D300S and SD1 Merrill.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Sigma SD1 Merrill to resolve greater detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older D300S is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.