Panasonic SZ1 vs Sigma DP2

Here is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic SZ1 versus Sigma DP2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and DP2 (5MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and DP2 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was unveiled 2 years later than the DP2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SZ1 grades vs the DP2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Sigma DP2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 offers external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 has proportions of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ1 versus Sigma DP2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ1 and the DP2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and DP2 is 95 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ1 and DP2.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ1 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will offer you more detail having an extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern SZ1 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.