Samsung CL5 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

The following is a extensive analysis of the Samsung CL5 and Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Samsung and Sigma. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The CL5 was announced 3 years prior to the DP2 Merrill which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the CL5 scores against the DP2 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung CL5 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung CL5 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Samsung CL5 features physical dimensions of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Samsung CL5 and Sigma DP2 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the CL5 and the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the CL5 and DP2 Merrill is 95 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The image here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the CL5 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The CL5 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will show greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged CL5 will be behind in sensor innovation.