Pentax X90 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Following is a extensive comparison of the Pentax X90 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is very comparable but the X90 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the DP1 Merrill making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the X90 matches up vs the DP1 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X90 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X90 provides external dimensions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X90 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the X90 against the DP1 Merrill.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and DP1 Merrill is 69 and 82 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes merely by checking out specs. The picture underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the X90 and DP1 Merrill.

All in all, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X90 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will produce greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged X90 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.