Samsung HZ35W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Here is a complete analysis of the Samsung HZ35W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the HZ35W (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty well matched but the HZ35W (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The HZ35W was announced 20 months before the DP2 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ35W being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the HZ35W matches up versus the DP2 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ35W and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung HZ35W Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung HZ35W provides physical dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ35W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the HZ35W against the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ35W and DP2 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking specifications. The visual below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ35W and DP2 Merrill.

To sum up, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HZ35W using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will give you extra detail with its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older HZ35W is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.