Panasonic SZ8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. The image resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty similar but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ8 was launched 24 months after the DP2 Merrill which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ8 scores against the DP2 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ8 enjoys external measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ8 versus the DP2 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ8 and DP2 Merrill is 94 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The image below may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and DP2 Merrill.

Clearly, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ8 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic SZ8 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger SZ8 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.