Panasonic FH8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Following is a extensive overview of the Panasonic FH8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sigma. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the FH8 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The FH8 was launched within a month of the DP2 Merrill so they are of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FH8 scores against the DP2 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 comes with outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the FH8 vs the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and DP2 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching technical specs. The image below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH8 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH8 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FH8 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a little more aggressively.