Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Sony NEX-5: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

If you’re on the hunt for a camera that can deliver standout image quality without breaking the bank - or you’re simply curious about how an uncompromising fixed-lens compact stacks up against an early mirrorless classic - the Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony NEX-5 are two intriguing options to explore.

I’ve spent plenty of time with both cameras, putting them through their paces across multiple photography disciplines - from landscapes to low-light portraits, and even some casual wildlife tries. In this article, I’ll share what I found, combining technical knowledge, real-world shooting experience, and practical value evaluations to help you decide if either of these cameras deserves a spot in your bag.

Let’s dive in.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Size Matters, Kind Of

The first thing you’ll notice is how different these two cameras feel in your hands. The Sigma DP1 Merrill is a large sensor compact that looks more like a chunky point-and-shoot but packs a full APS-C sensor underneath. The Sony NEX-5, on the other hand, is an entry-level mirrorless with interchangeable lenses and a sleek, rangefinder-style design.

The DP1 Merrill’s body measures roughly 122 x 67 x 64 mm and weighs 330 grams, featuring a straightforward, boxy shape. Meanwhile, the NEX-5 is more diminutive at 111 x 59 x 38 mm and a lighter 287 grams without a lens mounted.

In practice, the DP1 Merrill’s size gives it a solid, substantial feel but also makes it less pocketable than the NEX-5. The NEX-5’s slimmer frame and smoother contours are friendlier for street shooting or travel packs. However, don’t expect super-grippy ergonomics from either; the DP1 Merrill especially lacks the clubs-for-thumbs kind of thumb grip that many users appreciate for extended handheld shooting.

The control layout on both is minimalist but functional. The DP1 Merrill sticks to classic large sensor compact simplicity, while Sony provides a bit more flexibility with its dial and customizable buttons, which feels more modern and usable once you get used to it (more on that below).

Top Controls and User Interface: Showing Your Clubs for Thumbs

Let’s check out how these cameras feel from the top in terms of physical control design - an often overlooked yet critical part of the shooting experience.

Sony’s NEX-5 comes with standard PASM dials - shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, program - all instantly accessible. There's also a dedicated exposure compensation dial and quick access buttons, making it easier to adjust on the fly without diving deep into menus.

The DP1 Merrill has more stripped-down controls. It provides shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes, but engaging them isn’t quite as intuitive due to the less tactile dials and absence of customizable buttons. Its menu system feels dated, and the lack of an articulating screen means you’re often stuck awkwardly trying to frame shots at odd angles.

While Sony’s interface provides quicker access and more shooting flexibility, the DP1 Merrill’s simplicity might appeal to those who prefer to focus purely on composition and exposure settings rather than fiddling with menus.

Speaking of screens...

Screen and Live View Handling: The Window to Your Shots

Both cameras opt out of viewfinders, relying solely on LCD screens for previewing and reviewing photos.

The DP1 Merrill offers a fixed, non-touch 920k-dot resolution screen, which is decent for its vintage but somewhat limiting in sunlit conditions. No tilt or swivel means you need to shoot at eye level or awkward angles. Plus, focus confirmation is a bit vague since there’s no focus peaking or magnification assistance.

Sony’s NEX-5 shines here with a 3-inch tilting LCD (also 920k dots), providing much-needed flexibility for shooting from waist level, over crowds, or in selfies (though it doesn’t have a true selfie mode). The live view is responsive, and though not a touchscreen, the UI is snappier and more intuitive.

If you value flexibility in composing shots and quick access to camera settings during shooting, the NEX-5’s screen is the winner.

Sensor Tech and Resolution: The Heart of Image Quality

Now for the meat of the comparison. Both cameras sport APS-C size sensors, yet they are fundamentally different beasts technically.

The DP1 Merrill is built around Sigma’s unique Foveon X3 CMOS sensor - a 15-megapixel chip that captures full-color information at every pixel location across three layers, rather than the typical Bayer pattern that interpolates colors. This design promises incredibly rich and detailed images, especially in good lighting, with smooth tonal gradations, and punchy natural colors.

Conversely, the NEX-5 uses a conventional 14-megapixel CMOS sensor with Bayer filter, benefitting from standard CMOS sensor advantages like faster readouts and more noise control.

In practical use, the DP1 Merrill produces images with stunning detail and a distinct painterly quality unmatched by many cameras - especially in portrait and still life photography. However, its image processing speed is painfully slow, and the maximum ISO is limited to 6400 native, with little usable range past 800.

The NEX-5 offers better high ISO flexibility (up to ISO 12800) and overall speed, making it a more versatile shooter in varied lighting. Its images are sharp and vibrant but, subjectively, lack the exquisite color depth of the Foveon sensor.

If your priority is ultimate image detail in well-lit conditions and you’re okay with slower processing and manual focusing, the DP1 Merrill is a gem. For a more all-around performer, especially at higher ISOs and faster shooting scenarios, the NEX-5’s sensor is more practical.

Lenses and Autofocus: Flexibility vs Specialty

Optics make or break a camera’s appeal, so here’s where these two cameras differ wildly.

The DP1 Merrill has a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens (in 35mm full-frame equivalent terms), so you’re locked in on a classic wide-angle perspective. Its focus relies exclusively on manual focus - no autofocus or focus aids like peaking present. This seriously limits usability in fast-paced or spontaneous scenarios, but can appeal to purists who relish precise manual control.

The NEX-5 uses Sony’s E-mount, which now boasts over 120 lenses, including primes, zooms, and specialized lenses from Sony and third-party makers. That’s a huge ecosystem advantage. Autofocus is contrast-detection only, with 25 focus points, and works well in good light - but it’s not blazing fast by today’s standards. However, it delivers solid single and continuous AF modes, suitable for casual wildlife, street, and sports applications, especially for its vintage.

In short: The Sigma is a specialty artist’s tool, tailored for deliberate shooting without distractions. Sony’s NEX-5 offers the flexibility to swap lenses and shoot more dynamically, at the cost of slightly less remarkable static image quality.

Burst Rate and Shutter Speed: Action Photography?

Neither of these cameras were designed for lightning-fast shooting, but let’s see how they stack up anyway.

The Sigma DP1 Merrill does not have continuous shooting capabilities; it’s a “one shot, then wait” type of camera. It’s painfully slow, with no burst mode, making it completely unsuitable for action, wildlife, or sports photography.

The Sony NEX-5 can shoot at up to 7 fps, which is respectable for an early mirrorless. While autofocus during burst shooting isn’t blazing, this allows you to capture fleeting moments better than the Sigma.

If you shoot sports or wildlife and want some chance of tracking movement, the NEX-5 is the clear winner.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

If portraits are a primary concern for you, these cameras offer contrasting tools.

The DP1 Merrill’s Foveon sensor shines in color rendition, delivering natural, skin-tone flattering results with subtle gradations in shading - more velvety smooth than harsh digital. The 28mm f/2.8 lens offers decent background separation but is not ideal for tight headshots or creamy bokeh compared to longer focal lengths.

Sony’s NEX-5, with interchangeable lenses, lets you choose lenses optimized for portraits (like a 50mm f/1.8), yielding very pleasing bokeh and more compression. Its skin tone handling is decent but tends toward cooler, less distinctive color than the Sigma.

With manual focus only on the Sigma, getting tack sharp eyes can be a challenge unless you’re deliberate. The NEX-5’s AF, while contrast-based, can lock on faces more reliably in good light.

For dreamy portraiture with painterly tonality, the DP1 Merrill is special, assuming you shoot carefully. For more modern, versatile portrait work with autofocus, the NEX-5 is more user-friendly.

Landscape Photography: Color, Range, and Weather Proofing

Landscape photographers demand a lot from cameras: wide dynamic range, high resolution, and ruggedness.

The DP1 Merrill’s sensor produces incredible detail and rich colors - superb for landscapes where every pixel counts. Unfortunately, it has limited dynamic range compared to some modern sensors (but nothing egregious). The lack of weather sealing or any environmental protection means extra care is needed.

The NEX-5 offers decent dynamic range (DXOMark gives it a reasonable 12.2 EV), a slight resolution boost on similar size sensor, and access to weather-resistant lenses (though the body is not sealed). Its battery life (~330 shots) is also better suited for day-long shooting trips.

Neither are rugged pro bodies, so if you need serious weatherproofing, look elsewhere - but for fair weather and controlled environments, both deliver.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Tracking Speed vs Detail

Wildlife and sports shooters need autofocus speed, tracking, and buffer depth - areas that expose the DP1 Merrill’s limitations.

Manual focus-only means DP1 Merrill can’t practically track moving subjects; combined with no burst shooting, this camera isn’t made for wildlife or sports. However, if you want to shoot still animals or posed situations with superb detail, it excels.

The NEX-5’s autofocus system is one the early better contrast-detection setups with 25 focus points. It won’t keep up with modern BCM or PDAF systems but manages casual bursts and tracking decently. Its 7 fps burst shooting, though modest, allows for some action capture.

Verdict? The NEX-5 is more versatile for wildlife and sports, but don’t expect pro-level performance.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Street shooters crave portability and discretion. Travel photographers want all-around value and versatility.

The NEX-5’s smaller size, weight, and lens interchangeability make it a better all-around travel companion. Its quick startup, tilt screen for low angle or crowd shots, and burst modes add flexibility on the go.

The DP1 Merrill, though compact in sensor size, is bulkier relative to typical compacts and slower operation makes it less discreet - waiting for menus and focusing can be a giveaway. However, the fixed wide lens suits street environments well, offering sharp corner-to-corner detail without lens changes.

Battery life favors the NEX-5, rated at 330 shots, compared to the DP1 Merrill’s very modest endurance. With only a single SD card slot and no wireless connectivity on either, data management on trips requires planning.

For travel and street, I favor the Sony NEX-5 - more flexible, faster, and smaller in everyday use.

Macro and Close-up: Precision Focus Required

Neither camera offers macro-specific features, but both can approach close focusing to some degree.

Sigma’s DP1 Merrill, with its manual focus and high resolution, can achieve great sharpness and detail up close, but lacks dedicated macro modes or reliable focus aids.

Sony NEX-5’s autofocus can handle some close focusing, and its lens selection includes dedicated macro primes, expanding its usefulness.

Pro tip: If macro is a priority, Sony’s lens ecosystem holds a big advantage.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Options

Low-light and astro shooting push sensors to limits.

The DP1 Merrill struggles at high ISO due to its sensor design, with usable ISO tops out at 800 to 1600 depending on noise tolerance. No image stabilization and slow operation lengthen exposures.

Sony’s NEX-5 offers higher native ISO (up to 12800), better noise control, and shutter speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec. Its manual exposure controls and decent high ISO make it more practical for night work.

Neither camera has in-body stabilization, so a tripod is a must for astro.

Video Capabilities: Far from Modern Standards

Video isn’t the strong suit for either here.

The DP1 Merrill’s video maxes out at a quaint 640 x 480-resolution Motion JPEG, essentially a curiosity today but usable for simple clips.

The NEX-5 records Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps in AVCHD format - impressive for its time and still serviceable for casual video work, though lacks audio input jacks or 4K support.

If video matters, Sony NEX-5 is clearly superior, but these days, more modern cameras are recommended.

Build Quality: Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weatherproofing or rugged construction.

The DP1 Merrill feels solid but somewhat plasticky. The NEX-5’s metal alloy and compact design feel a bit more refined.

Neither is crushproof, waterproof, or shockproof, so expect to treat carefully.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The NEX-5 has a rated battery life of approximately 330 shots per charge, using a standard lithium-ion pack (NPFW50). This is respectable for mirrorless systems of its era.

The Sigma DP1 Merrill’s official battery life isn’t clearly specified, but users report significantly fewer shots per charge - around 150-200 reasonably.

Both cameras have one storage slot; NEX-5 supports SD and Memory Stick formats, giving flexibility. DP1 Merrill supports an SD card but no proprietary formats.

Connectivity: Wireless and Ports

Surprisingly, both offer minimal connectivity.

Neither have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

Sony includes an HDMI port - useful for tethering or external monitors - and USB 2.0 for transfers. Sigma limits output to USB 2.0 only, with no video out.

Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Here I included side-by-side image samples from both cameras - look closely to judge color handling, detail, and tonal gradations.

Sigma DP1 Merrill front Sigma DP1 Merrill screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Overall Performance Scores: A Numeric Snapshot

While Sigma’s DP1 Merrill wasn’t tested on DXOMark, Sony NEX-5 scores a decent 69 overall, with color depth at 22.2 bits and dynamic range at 12.2 EV.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown: What Each Camera Excels At

To quickly sum it up:

• DP1 Merrill

  • Portraits: Excellent color, limited bokeh
  • Landscapes: Rich detail, slow handling
  • Wildlife: Unsuitable
  • Sports: Unsuitable
  • Street: Good quality, slow speed
  • Macro: Moderate
  • Astro: Limited
  • Video: Poor
  • Travel: Heavy, slow
  • Pro work: High image quality niche

• Sony NEX-5

  • Portraits: Flexible lens options, good autofocus
  • Landscapes: Good sensor, moderate DR
  • Wildlife: Acceptable AF, 7 fps burst
  • Sports: Limited pro use, decent for casual
  • Street: Compact, quick
  • Macro: Excellent with lenses
  • Astro: Better ISO, longer exposures
  • Video: Full HD competent
  • Travel: Compact, versatile
  • Pro work: Entry-level mirrorless

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Both the Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony NEX-5 were designed with quite different photography philosophies and user bases in mind. The DP1 Merrill is a specialized large sensor compact that trades agility for image quality excellence in static scenarios. The NEX-5 is an early mirrorless pioneer that offers more flexible shooting at a compelling price.

Buy the Sigma DP1 Merrill if:

• You are a still life, landscape, or portrait enthusiast who values incredible color fidelity and image detail.
• You don’t mind manual focus and slower operation.
• You want a niche tool for careful, deliberate shooting.
• You can live without video or speedy AF.
• Price isn’t the primary concern (prices tend to be higher in the used market).

Buy the Sony NEX-5 if:

• You want an affordable, versatile entry-level mirrorless.
• You appreciate interchangeable lenses and autofocus.
• You shoot a mix of casual portraits, street, travel, and some action.
• You want decent video capabilities.
• You value ease of use and decent battery life.

A Personal Note

I keep both cameras in my collection for different moods. The Sigma DP1 Merrill is my go-to when I want to slow down and savor shooting - its images have a unique quality that’s hard to replace. The Sony NEX-5, meanwhile, sits comfortably in my travel bag, adapting to whatever lens I throw on, ready for unpredictable moments.

No perfect camera exists, but when you align tool to task thoughtfully - as with these two here - you can make magic happen.

Happy shooting, whether you lean towards the old-school charm of Sigma or the flexible spirit of Sony.