Olympus E-P2 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P2 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sigma. The resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is very comparable but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-P2 was revealed 21 months prior to the DP1 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-P2 scores vs the DP1 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Sigma DP1 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P2 has outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P2 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P2 against the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and DP1 Merrill is 86 and 82 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and DP1 Merrill.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 having a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will provide extra detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older E-P2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.