Pentax K-1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Let's look much closer at the Pentax K-1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Pentax and Sigma. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The K-1 was manufactured 3 years later than the SD1 Merrill and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the K-1 grades versus the SD1 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-1 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-1 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-1 comes with outer dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 Merrill has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the K-1 and the SD1 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the K-1 and SD1 Merrill is 55 and 57 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-1 and SD1 Merrill.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-1 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Pentax K-1 will render greater detail due to its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern K-1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.