Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Sony S980

Here is a in depth review of the Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony S980, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Sigma and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the DP1 Merrill (15MP) and S980 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The DP1 Merrill was manufactured 3 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the DP1 Merrill matches up vs the S980 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are provided at Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Sigma DP1 Merrill enjoys exterior measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) and the Sony S980 has proportions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Sigma DP1 Merrill and Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the DP1 Merrill compared to the S980.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the DP1 Merrill and S980 is 82 and 94 respectively.

Generally, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The visual below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the DP1 Merrill and S980.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The DP1 Merrill because of its larger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will provide more detail due to its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern DP1 Merrill will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.