Samsung ST100 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Samsung ST100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the ST100 (14MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is very well matched but the ST100 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ST100 was brought out 3 years earlier than the DP2 Merrill and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ST100 matches up against the DP2 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung ST100 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Samsung ST100 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung ST100 provides external dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Samsung ST100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ST100 against the DP2 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ST100 and DP2 Merrill is 95 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST100 and DP2 Merrill.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ST100 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will give you extra detail having its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older ST100 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.