Samsung HZ30W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Lets take a closer look at the Samsung HZ30W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is fairly well matched but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HZ30W was introduced 3 years prior to the DP2 Merrill and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the HZ30W grades against the DP2 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ30W and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung HZ30W has exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Samsung HZ30W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the HZ30W and the DP2 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ30W and DP2 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through specifications. The photograph here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ30W and DP2 Merrill.

Plainly, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The HZ30W with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will resolve greater detail using its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older HZ30W is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.