Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR cameras by companies Pentax and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty comparable and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The K-5 was introduced 15 months earlier than the SD1 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the K-5 matches up vs the SD1 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-5 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-5 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-5 comes with outside dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has specifications 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-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the K-5 against the SD1 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the K-5 and SD1 Merrill is 60 and 57 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions simply by seeing technical specs. The image here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-5 and SD1 Merrill.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax K-5 to provide extra detail using its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged K-5 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.