Panasonic ZS1 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Let's look much closer at the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was brought out 3 years prior to the DP2 Merrill which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZS1 matches up vs the DP2 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS1 has got exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS1 and the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and DP2 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The pic underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and DP2 Merrill.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will give extra detail having its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.