Panasonic L1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Below is a thorough review of the Panasonic L1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The L1 was launched 6 years before the SD1 Merrill and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the L1 grades against the SD1 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 enjoys exterior measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 Merrill has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic L1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the L1 against the SD1 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L1 and SD1 Merrill is 65 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the L1 and SD1 Merrill.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will give more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older L1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.