Samsung HZ50W vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

The following is a comprehensive review of the Samsung HZ50W versus Sigma DP2 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the HZ50W (14MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the HZ50W (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The HZ50W was announced 21 months earlier than the DP2 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the HZ50W grades against the DP2 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ50W and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ50W Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ50W features outer measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Samsung HZ50W versus Sigma DP2 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the HZ50W vs the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HZ50W and DP2 Merrill is 70 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The image here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ50W and DP2 Merrill.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The HZ50W having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will provide greater detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged HZ50W will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.