Pentax X90 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Below is a extensive analysis of the Pentax X90 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the X90 (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The X90 was launched 21 months earlier than the SD1 Merrill making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the X90 matches up versus the SD1 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X90 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax X90 provides exterior measurements 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 SD1 Merrill has proportions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

See the Pentax X90 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the X90 against the SD1 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X90 and SD1 Merrill is 69 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and SD1 Merrill.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X90 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will render more detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The older X90 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.