Nikon D810 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Following is a extended comparison of the Nikon D810 and Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR cameras by companies Nikon and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the D810 (36MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the D810 (Full frame) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The D810 was launched 2 years after the SD1 Merrill which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the D810 scores versus the SD1 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D810 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Nikon D810 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Nikon D810 has got outside measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 980 grams (2.16 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has specifications of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon D810 and Sigma SD1 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the D810 and the SD1 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D810 and SD1 Merrill is 54 and 57 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The pic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the D810 and SD1 Merrill.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The D810 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Nikon D810 will show more detail utilizing its extra 21MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher D810 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.