Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sigma. The resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The SP-820UZ was unveiled 7 months later than the DP1 Merrill so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SP-820UZ matches up versus the DP1 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Sigma DP1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ offers outer measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Sigma DP1 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-820UZ against the DP1 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and DP1 Merrill is 69 and 82 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing specs. The visual below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and DP1 Merrill.

All in all, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will produce greater detail having an extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The younger SP-820UZ should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.