Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Sony HX9V

Lets take a closer look at the Sigma DP1 Merrill versus Sony HX9V, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. The resolution of the DP1 Merrill (15MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is relatively close but the DP1 Merrill (APS-C) and HX9V (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The DP1 Merrill was unveiled 7 months later than the HX9V so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the DP1 Merrill grades against the HX9V for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The full galleries are available at Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Sigma DP1 Merrill enjoys exterior dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Sony HX9V has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Sigma DP1 Merrill versus Sony HX9V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the DP1 Merrill vs the HX9V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the DP1 Merrill and HX9V is 82 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the DP1 Merrill and HX9V.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The DP1 Merrill using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX9V will render greater detail having an extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The newer DP1 Merrill should have an advantage in sensor technology.