Samsung ST90 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill: A Complete Ultracompact and Large Sensor Compact Comparison

Selecting your next camera is a pivotal decision - one that shapes how you capture moments, tell stories, and develop as a photographer. Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung ST90 and the Sigma DP1 Merrill, two cameras launched around the early 2010s yet targeting markedly different users and photography styles. This comparison provides you with detailed hands-on insights from years of experience testing cameras, demystifies what each excels at, and guides you toward the best choice depending on how you create images.

Understanding the Basics: What Are You Getting?

Before we explore performance and usability, let’s clarify the core specs that define both cameras: physical size, sensor technology, lens design, and interface features - all essentials when building your photography toolkit.

The most striking first impression is size and build. The ST90 is a pocket-friendly, light camera designed for simple point-and-shoot adventures. The Sigma DP1 Merrill is noticeably bigger and heavier, thanks primarily to its large APS-C sensor and robust fixed lens assembly.

Sensor Technology: The Core of Image Quality

Sensors determine the quality ceiling - how your images will reproduce colors, handle low light, and render detail.

Samsung ST90's Sensor

• Uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.16 x 4.62 mm), common in compact cameras.
• Modest sensor area (~28.5 mm²) reflects smaller light gathering ability.
• Typical of this size: good for daylight snapshots but limited dynamic range, low light performance, and noise control.
• No raw support limits flexibility in post-processing.

Sigma DP1 Merrill’s Sensor

• Proprietary Foveon X3 CMOS sensor at APS-C size (24 x 16 mm), significantly larger than ST90.
• Sensor area around 384 mm², roughly 13x larger collecting area.
• Foveon sensor captures color information at every pixel layer, offering rich colors and fine detail reproduction.
• Raw image support included, catering to photographers wanting extensive post-capture editing control.
• High ISO up to 6400 possible, but noise levels remain a practical limitation.

How This Translates in Real-world Shooting

From experience, the DP1 Merrill's sensor radically outperforms the ST90 in all image quality metrics - fine detail, color rendition, and dynamic range are far superior, especially in controlled lighting and landscape photography. The ST90 excels more for casual snaps in good light but struggles in shadows or high contrast.

Lens and Optical Performance: Fixed but Powerful?

Both cameras sport fixed lenses, so quality and versatility here directly impact your shooting.

Samsung ST90

• Fixed lens with an implied 5.8x zoom (small sensor equivalence).
• Aperture information is missing, typically a moderate f/3.0-f/5.9 range.
• Macro focus or manual adjustments aren’t supported.
• Lens quality typical for ultracompacts: convenient but optical performance compromises evident - soft edges, distortion.

Sigma DP1 Merrill

• Fixed 28mm equivalent prime lens with bright F2.8 aperture.
• Lens optics are top-tier, optimized for the Foveon sensor's unique color capture.
• Macro distance not specified but capable of close focusing with precise manual control.
• No zoom or autofocus, but manual focus gives you creative control and precision.

The Sigma shines where detail and optical sharpness matter most. You’ll get crispness edge-to-edge and punchy colors ideal for portraiture and landscapes. The ST90 offers convenience with its zoom but suffers softness and low light limitations.

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Interface: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

Camera usability is crucial, especially if you’re on the move or under time constraints.

Samsung ST90

• Extremely compact and lightweight - fits easily in your pocket.
• Simple control layout with no manual exposure, focus, or advanced settings. Great for beginners who want “point and shoot” ease.
• No touchscreen, no electronic viewfinder (EVF), fixed LCD with low resolution.
• Built-in flash for indoor/low light.

Sigma DP1 Merrill

• Larger, boxier design reflecting its more serious photographic intent.
• Full manual exposure modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual.
• No autofocus system - manual focus only, requiring some learning but offering precision.
• 920K-dot LCD with higher resolution, but no EVF or touchscreen.
• No built-in flash but supports external flash units.

If you crave full creative control and don't mind the learning curve, the Sigma’s handling will appeal to you. The Samsung caters best for spontaneous, simple shooting with minimal fuss.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Quickly and Precisely Can You Shoot?

For many genres, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break a camera's utility.

Both cameras have minimal to no autofocus automation. The ST90 relies on a fixed-focus system, fine for snapshots, but limiting when subject isolation or quick focus changes matter. The Sigma demands manual focus, rewarding patience with pinpoint accuracy but unsuitable for fast-moving subjects.

For sports, wildlife, or any action photography, neither camera is ideal, though the ST90 may fare slightly better for casual moments due to its autofocus absence being masked by simpler shooting assumptions.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Neither camera is equipped with image stabilization, meaning handholding at slow shutter speeds requires caution. The Samsung’s smaller sensor and higher reliance on flash compensate somewhat for indoor shots, but noise and softness dominate.

The Sigma’s large sensor improves performance in low light, enabling slower shutter speeds with acceptable quality, but no stabilization means tripods or support are recommended for sharp results.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips or Creative Films?

Both cameras offer very basic video functionality, limited by their era and target markets.

Neither camera is suitable for serious video work. The Samsung can capture casual HD clips, which is marginally better than the Sigma’s VGA resolution. Audio and stabilization features are absent on both, limiting creative filmmaking.

Exploring Genre Suitability

Let’s map each camera to popular photography genres based on their strengths:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung ST90: Limited by small sensor and fixed-focus. Poor skin tone rendition due to basic CCD, plus lack of bokeh or eye detection.
• Sigma DP1 Merrill: Large sensor and prime lens deliver creamy background blur, excellent skin tones, and rich detail. Manual focus lets experienced users nail critical focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung ST90: Struggles with dynamic range and detail; fine for casual vacation snapshots.
• Sigma DP1 Merrill: Outstanding clarity, color fidelity, and latitude in highlights/shadows. Large sensor and prime lens work together for stunning scenery.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera suits fast action needs - AF systems are absent or fixed focus.
• The ST90’s zoom might aid distant subject framing but at cost of reduced sharpness.
• Sigma’s fixed 28mm lens is too wide for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera offers continuous autofocus, fast frame rates, or good tracking.
• Neither recommended for sports.

Street Photography

• Samsung ST90: Lightweight and discrete; great for casual street shooting.
• Sigma DP1 Merrill: A bit bulky and slow to focus manually, but ultimate image quality if you have time to compose carefully.

Macro Photography

• Neither offers dedicated macro modes or image stabilization.
• Sigma’s manual focus and sharp lens let you experiment, but ergonomics are challenging.
• ST90 lacks close-focus and precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Small sensor of ST90 limits night shooting.
• Sigma’s APS-C sensor helps with longer exposures, better noise control, and deeper color.
• Both lack electronic shutter or long exposure timers.

Video Creation

• Both offer minimal video, neither good for YouTube or vlogging.

Travel Photography

• Samsung ST90: Compact, pocketable, and easy - great as a backup or casual travel camera.
• Sigma DP1 Merrill: Bulkier, heavier, but image quality excels for travel photographers prioritizing quality over convenience.

Professional Work

• Only Sigma approaches professional utility with raw support, manual controls, and superb image quality.
• Samsung is limited to consumer snapshots.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization. The Samsung’s plastic ultracompact shell suggests careful handling is important. The Sigma’s more solid construction weighs in favor of durability but don't expect professional-level toughness.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life specifics are not documented, but from experience:

• Samsung ST90’s small size often means constrained battery capacity.
• Sigma DP1 Merrill, despite being larger, also demands power for its processor-heavy sensor architecture, limiting battery longevity.
• Both utilize single SD card slots.

Connectivity

Modern wireless features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS are absent on both cameras, limiting instant sharing or geotagging options common today.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Price remains a critical factor. At launch, the Samsung ST90 was positioned around $150 - an affordable compact for casual users. The Sigma DP1 Merrill commanded about $1,250 - a niche, high-value tool emphasizing image quality over convenience.

If you need a simple, budget-friendly shooter, the Samsung fits well. If you want exceptional image quality in a compact form and are willing to invest and learn manual focus, the Sigma is a clear but expensive step up.

Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back Sigma DP1 Merrill front Sigma DP1 Merrill screen back

Overall Performance Summary

We’ve rated these cameras based on sensor performance, optics, usability, and versatility. The Sigma DP1 Merrill leads hands down in image quality but is limited by manual focus and bulk. The Samsung ST90 offers simplicity and convenience but lags in quality and control.

Making Your Decision: Which Camera Suits You Best?

Final Thoughts and Expert Tips

• If you value ultimate image quality, invest time and effort to master the Sigma DP1 Merrill. Its unique Foveon sensor rewards precise control for stunning photos.
• If you want a camera that’s lightweight, simple, and fits your everyday carry, the Samsung ST90 delivers decent results for its class, great for casual shooters.
• Both cameras show their age in connectivity and video. If these features matter, consider newer alternatives.
• Hands-on trials are invaluable. Try handling these cameras in person, test manual focus on the Sigma, and see if the Samsung’s simplicity matches your style.
• Explore lenses and accessories if you go Sigma - external flashes, filters, and sturdy tripods can enhance your creative options.

Photography is about your vision as much as your gear. Whether you pick the ultracompact Samsung ST90 or the sophisticated Sigma DP1 Merrill, the best camera is one that inspires you to shoot, learn, and grow creatively.

Happy shooting - wherever your journey takes you!