Samsung ST30 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Samsung ST30 and Sigma DP2 Merrill, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sigma. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the ST30 (10MP) and DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the ST30 (1/3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ST30 was released 12 months before the DP2 Merrill so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ST30 matches up versus the DP2 Merrill when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung ST30 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung ST30 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung ST30 has outside dimensions of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") along with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 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).

See the Samsung ST30 and Sigma DP2 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the ST30 versus the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ST30 and DP2 Merrill is 98 and 83 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST30 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ST30 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will give greater detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older ST30 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.