Pentax X-5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Here is a complete analysis of the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sigma. The resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively well matched but the X-5 (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The X-5 was revealed 5 months later than the SD1 Merrill so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the X-5 scores versus the SD1 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X-5 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 features physical measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has sizing of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

See the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the X-5 vs the SD1 Merrill.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and SD1 Merrill is 65 and 57 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specs. The visual underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and SD1 Merrill.

All in all, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X-5 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax X-5 will give extra detail because of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively.