Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Lets look closer at the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sigma. The resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty close but the X-5 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The X-5 was announced 7 months after the DP2 Merrill and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the X-5 scores versus the DP2 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 provides physical measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the X-5 compared to the DP2 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and DP2 Merrill is 65 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through technical specs. The image underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and DP2 Merrill.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The X-5 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax X-5 will render more detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger X-5 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.