Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill
69 Imaging
63 Features
70 Overall
65


57 Imaging
56 Features
45 Overall
51
Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 558g - 121 x 93 x 70mm
- Introduced August 2014
- Renewed by Pentax K-S2
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- No Video
- Sigma SA Mount
- 790g - 146 x 113 x 80mm
- Released April 2012
- Previous Model is Sigma SD1

Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Overview
Let's look more closely at the Pentax K-S1 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sigma. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-S1 (20MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (APS-C).

The K-S1 was revealed 2 years after the SD1 Merrill which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the K-S1 matches up vs the SD1 Merrill when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-S1 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Pentax K-S1 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-S1 over the Sigma SD1 Merrill
K-S1 | SD1 Merrill | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | August 2014 | ![]() | April 2012 | Newer by 29 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper display (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 Merrill over the Pentax K-S1
SD1 Merrill | K-S1 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-S1 and Sigma SD1 Merrill
K-S1 | SD1 Merrill | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Absent Touch display |
Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Physical Comparison
For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-S1 features physical measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has dimensions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).
See the Pentax K-S1 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-S1 and the SD1 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-S1 and SD1 Merrill is 69 and 57 respectively.

Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specifications. The image here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the K-S1 and SD1 Merrill.
To sum up, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Pentax K-S1 to give you greater detail because of its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher K-S1 will have an edge in sensor tech.

Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-S1 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill Specifications
Pentax K-S1 | Sigma SD1 Merrill | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sigma |
Model | Pentax K-S1 | Sigma SD1 Merrill |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Introduced | 2014-08-27 | 2012-04-10 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime MII | Dual True II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 24 x 16mm |
Sensor area | 366.6mm² | 384.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20 megapixel | 15 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | - |
Highest Possible resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4800 x 3200 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Sigma SA |
Number of lenses | 151 | 76 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | - |
Max shutter speed | 1/6000 secs | - |
Continuous shutter rate | 5.4fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash options | Auto, auto + redeye, on, on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual | no built-in flash |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50 fps) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video format | H.264 | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 558 grams (1.23 lbs) | 790 grams (1.74 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 121 x 93 x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") | 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 78 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.5 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1061 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 410 pictures | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | D-LI109 | - |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $339 | $2,339 |