Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Sony S950

Let's look a bit more closely at the Sigma DP1 Merrill versus Sony S950, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Sigma and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the DP1 Merrill (15MP) and S950 (10MP) and the DP1 Merrill (APS-C) and S950 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The DP1 Merrill was brought out 3 years after the S950 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S950 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the DP1 Merrill grades vs the S950 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The entire galleries are available at Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery and Sony S950 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sigma DP1 Merrill has exterior measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) and the Sony S950 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Sigma DP1 Merrill versus Sony S950 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view scale comparison of the DP1 Merrill versus the S950.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the DP1 Merrill and S950 is 82 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the DP1 Merrill and S950.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The DP1 Merrill due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will offer you extra detail having its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger DP1 Merrill is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.