Samsung SL820 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Below is a in depth comparison of the Samsung SL820 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the SL820 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is fairly similar but the SL820 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The SL820 was announced 4 years prior to the DP1 Merrill and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Samsung SL820 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SL820 scores versus the DP1 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung SL820 & Sigma DP1 Merrill. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung SL820 Gallery & Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Samsung SL820 comes with physical dimensions of 95mm x 59mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Samsung SL820 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SL820 against the DP1 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL820 and DP1 Merrill is 94 and 82 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading specs. The photograph here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SL820 and DP1 Merrill.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SL820 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will offer extra detail with its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older SL820 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.