Samsung PL120 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Let's look much closer at the Samsung PL120 and Sigma DP2 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 DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty similar but the PL120 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The PL120 was introduced 13 months earlier than the DP2 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Samsung PL120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the PL120 grades vs the DP2 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung PL120 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The whole galleries are available at Samsung PL120 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL120 has outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Samsung PL120 and Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the PL120 compared to the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PL120 and DP2 Merrill is 99 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the PL120 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The PL120 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will deliver extra detail using its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged PL120 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.