Samsung HZ15W vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

In this article, we will be reviewing the Samsung HZ15W and Sigma DP1 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the HZ15W (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the HZ15W (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The HZ15W was launched 3 years before the DP1 Merrill which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the HZ15W scores vs the DP1 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ15W & Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Samsung HZ15W Gallery & Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ15W offers physical measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst 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 Samsung HZ15W and Sigma DP1 Merrill in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the HZ15W against the DP1 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HZ15W and DP1 Merrill is 90 and 82 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching technical specs. The image below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ15W and DP1 Merrill.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HZ15W featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will render greater detail utilizing its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged HZ15W will be behind in sensor innovation.