Pentax X70 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax X70 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the X70 (12MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly well matched but the X70 (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X70 was unveiled 4 years before the SD1 Merrill and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the X70 matches up versus the SD1 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X70 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax X70 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax X70 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 Merrill has specifications of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Examine the Pentax X70 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the X70 compared to the SD1 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the X70 and SD1 Merrill is 71 and 57 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the X70 and SD1 Merrill.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The X70 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will give you greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older X70 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.