Olympus E-M1 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-M1 and Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is very similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was unveiled 21 months later than the DP2 Merrill making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-M1 grades vs the DP2 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M1 offers outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1 and Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-M1 versus the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and DP2 Merrill is 71 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and DP2 Merrill.

Plainly, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus E-M1 will offer more detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.