Olympus 1 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus 1 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is relatively similar but the 1 (1/1.7") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 was brought out 22 months after the DP2 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise overview of how the 1 grades against the DP2 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The entire galleries are available at Olympus 1 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1 features outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Olympus 1 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the 1 against the DP2 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and DP2 Merrill is 79 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specifications. The pic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and DP2 Merrill.

To sum up, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will deliver more detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more recent 1 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.