Samsung ST80 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Here is a complete comparison of the Samsung ST80 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the ST80 (14MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the ST80 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The ST80 was unveiled 3 years before the DP2 Merrill and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung ST80 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the ST80 scores against the DP2 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung ST80 and Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Samsung ST80 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Samsung ST80 provides physical dimensions of 92mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Samsung ST80 versus Sigma DP2 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the ST80 against the DP2 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ST80 and DP2 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST80 and DP2 Merrill.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ST80 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will result in greater detail having an extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older ST80 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.