Samsung HZ35W vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Following is a complete review of the Samsung HZ35W and Sigma SD1 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the HZ35W (12MP) and the SD1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the HZ35W (1/2.3") and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The HZ35W was revealed 22 months before the SD1 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ35W being a Compact camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the HZ35W matches up versus the SD1 Merrill in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ35W and Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Samsung HZ35W Gallery and Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Samsung HZ35W features exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sigma SD1 Merrill has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Check the Samsung HZ35W and Sigma SD1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the HZ35W vs the SD1 Merrill.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the HZ35W and SD1 Merrill is 91 and 57 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The image below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ35W and SD1 Merrill.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HZ35W using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will provide you with more detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged HZ35W will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.