Samsung HZ25W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

The following is a complete review of the Samsung HZ25W and Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the HZ25W (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the HZ25W (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The HZ25W was revealed 19 months prior to the DP2 Merrill making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ25W being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the HZ25W grades against the DP2 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ25W & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ25W Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung HZ25W provides external measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Samsung HZ25W and Sigma DP2 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the HZ25W against the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the HZ25W and DP2 Merrill is 70 and 83 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ25W and DP2 Merrill.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HZ25W with its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will result in more detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged HZ25W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.