Panasonic L10 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Here is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic L10 and Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the L10 (10MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the L10 (Four Thirds) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The L10 was unveiled 5 years prior to the SD1 Merrill and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the L10 matches up against the SD1 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic L10 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic L10 has got exterior measurements of 135mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.3" x 3.8" x 3.1") along with a weight of 556 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 Merrill has specifications of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic L10 and Sigma SD1 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the L10 against the SD1 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the L10 and SD1 Merrill is 66 and 57 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The graphic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the L10 and SD1 Merrill.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The L10 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will render more detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older L10 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.