Ricoh CX5 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Below, we will be looking at the Ricoh CX5 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sigma. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The CX5 was brought out 8 months prior to the SD1 Merrill which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the CX5 scores vs the SD1 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh CX5 and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 has outside measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has sizing of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh CX5 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the CX5 versus the SD1 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the CX5 and SD1 Merrill is 92 and 57 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at specifications. The pic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the CX5 and SD1 Merrill.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CX5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will give greater detail having its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged CX5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.