Samsung PL170 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

On this page, we are analyzing the Samsung PL170 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Samsung and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the PL170 (16MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the PL170 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The PL170 was released 13 months prior to the DP1 Merrill making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the PL170 matches up vs the DP1 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung PL170 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung PL170 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung PL170 offers exterior dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung PL170 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the PL170 vs the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PL170 and DP1 Merrill is 99 and 82 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the PL170 and DP1 Merrill.

As you can tell, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The PL170 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung PL170 will render more detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged PL170 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.