Panasonic L1 vs Sigma SD15

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic L1 and Sigma SD15, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and SD15 (5MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and SD15 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The L1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the SD15 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the L1 scores vs the SD15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Sigma SD15. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Sigma SD15 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic L1 provides outer dimensions 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 SD15 has proportions of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") with a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic L1 and Sigma SD15 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the L1 against the SD15.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and SD15 is 65 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the L1 and SD15.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The L1 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic L1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older L1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.