Panasonic FS25 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic FS25 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sigma. The resolution of the FS25 (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty similar but the FS25 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS25 was brought out 4 years before the DP2 Merrill which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS25 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FS25 scores vs the DP2 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS25 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS25 has exterior dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 148 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS25 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS25 against the DP2 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS25 and DP2 Merrill is 95 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FS25 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS25 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will deliver extra detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FS25 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.