Olympus 8000 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Below, we are looking at the Olympus 8000 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sigma. The resolution of the 8000 (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is fairly similar but the 8000 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The 8000 was announced 3 years prior to the DP2 Merrill which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the 8000 grades vs the DP2 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 8000 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus 8000 enjoys external dimensions of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Olympus 8000 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the 8000 vs the DP2 Merrill.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the 8000 and DP2 Merrill is 94 and 83 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 8000 and DP2 Merrill.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 8000 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will deliver greater detail with its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged 8000 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.