Olympus TG-5 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus TG-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the TG-5 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty well matched but the TG-5 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-5 was revealed 5 years after the DP1 Merrill which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the TG-5 matches up vs the DP1 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-5 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-5 provides physical measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sigma DP1 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus TG-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-5 vs the DP1 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-5 and DP1 Merrill is 90 and 82 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The picture here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-5 and DP1 Merrill.

All in all, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-5 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will give greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent TG-5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.