Samsung TL500 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

On this page, we will be evaluating the Samsung TL500 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Samsung and Sigma. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the TL500 (10MP) and DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the TL500 (1/1.7") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The TL500 was unveiled 19 months before the DP2 Merrill which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Samsung TL500 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the TL500 scores against the DP2 Merrill in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung TL500 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung TL500 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung TL500 has external dimensions of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Samsung TL500 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the TL500 versus the DP2 Merrill.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TL500 and DP2 Merrill is 88 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through specifications. The image underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the TL500 and DP2 Merrill.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TL500 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will render extra detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged TL500 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.