Samsung PL120 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

On this page, we will be contrasting the Samsung PL120 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the PL120 (14MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is pretty close but the PL120 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The PL120 was launched 13 months earlier than the DP1 Merrill which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the PL120 scores against the DP1 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL120 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung PL120 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Samsung PL120 features physical dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Samsung PL120 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the PL120 and the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PL120 and DP1 Merrill is 99 and 82 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions simply by looking through technical specs. The picture below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the PL120 and DP1 Merrill.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The PL120 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will render greater detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged PL120 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.