Samsung HZ30W vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Samsung HZ30W and Sigma DP1 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly comparable but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The HZ30W was launched 3 years before the DP1 Merrill and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the HZ30W scores against the DP1 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ30W and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ30W offers external measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check out the Samsung HZ30W and Sigma DP1 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the HZ30W versus the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HZ30W and DP1 Merrill is 91 and 82 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The visual underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the HZ30W and DP1 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HZ30W featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older HZ30W will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.