Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

The following is a complete analysis of the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty similar but the X-5 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

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The X-5 was released 7 months after the DP1 Merrill so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the X-5 grades versus the DP1 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X-5 comes with exterior dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the X-5 compared to the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and DP1 Merrill is 65 and 82 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and DP1 Merrill.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The X-5 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Pentax X-5 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger X-5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.