Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill
60 Imaging
56 Features
82 Overall
66


57 Imaging
56 Features
45 Overall
51
Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 12800 (Increase to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 740g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Announced December 2010
- Succeeded the Pentax K-7
- Successor is Pentax K-5 IIs
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- No Video
- Sigma SA Mount
- 790g - 146 x 113 x 80mm
- Introduced April 2012
- Previous Model is Sigma SD1

Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Overview
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).

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.

Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery
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.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 over the Sigma SD1 Merrill
K-5 | SD1 Merrill | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 Merrill over the Pentax K-5
SD1 Merrill | K-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | April 2012 | ![]() | December 2010 | Newer by 15 months |
Common features in the Pentax K-5 and Sigma SD1 Merrill
K-5 | SD1 Merrill | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch screen |
Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Physical Comparison
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.

Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Sensor Comparison
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.

Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Specifications
Pentax K-5 | Sigma SD1 Merrill | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Sigma |
Model type | Pentax K-5 | Sigma SD1 Merrill |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2010-12-18 | 2012-04-10 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime II | Dual True II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 24 x 16mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.1mm² | 384.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 15MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | - |
Full resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 4800 x 3200 |
Max native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Max boosted ISO | 51200 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | - |
Cross type focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Sigma SA |
Total lenses | 151 | 76 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | - |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 7.0fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless | no built-in flash |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/180 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 424 (25, 30 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 740g (1.63 lbs) | 790g (1.74 lbs) |
Dimensions | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") | 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 82 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.1 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 1162 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 980 shots | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | D-LI90 | - |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at launch | $800 | $2,339 |