Olympus VG-120 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

The following is a in depth overview of the Olympus VG-120 and Sigma DP1 Merrill, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty close but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was released 13 months before the DP1 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the VG-120 scores versus the DP1 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 & Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-120 has got exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VG-120 and Sigma DP1 Merrill in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the VG-120 versus the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and DP1 Merrill is 96 and 82 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing specs. The image underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-120 and DP1 Merrill.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.