Sigma DP1 vs. DP1 Merrill: A Deep Dive Into Two Large Sensor Compact Cameras

When Sigma launched the DP1 in 2008, the concept of a large sensor compact camera was still novel. Fast forward to 2012, and the DP1 Merrill arrived with promises of a quantum leap in image quality, thanks largely to its innovative Foveon X3 sensor technology. As someone who has spent countless hours behind the lens - from stalking wildlife to capturing intimate portraits - I’ve had the chance to put both these cameras through their paces. Today, I want to share a detailed look at how these two Sigma large sensor compacts stack up against each other, focusing on the real-world differences that matter most to serious photographers.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, from build and ergonomics all the way through to image quality, autofocus, and practical shooting experience. Along the way, I’ll illustrate their strengths, weaknesses, and recommend who each camera would suit best. Buckle up!

Feeling the Difference: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Sigma’s DP1 and DP1 Merrill both stake a claim in the large sensor compact category, meaning they pack APS-C sensors into relatively pocketable bodies. But that doesn’t mean they’re twins.

Side-by-side size comparison highlighting the slightly larger DP1 Merrill.

• DP1: At 113 x 60 x 50 mm and weighing just 270g, the DP1 was ahead of its time in being truly pocketable. Its grip is minimal but relatively comfortable for one-handed shooting, if you have average-sized hands. The fixed 28mm-equivalent lens offers a nice walk-around focal length, especially for street and travel photography.

• DP1 Merrill: Measuring 122 x 67 x 64 mm and weighing in at 330g, this camera takes a slightly chunkier approach. It sacrifices some pocketability but compensates with a larger, more robust grip, making it easier to hold, particularly for longer sessions or with gloves (winter photographers, take note!). The lens focal length is approximately the same but with a 1.5x crop factor, slightly wider field of view compared to the DP1’s 1.7x.

In practical terms, the DP1 Merrill feels a bit more substantial and solid in your hands, which I appreciated when shooting outdoors for extended periods. However, if your priority is an ultra-compact camera that tucks away easily on the go, the original DP1 nudges ahead.

Top Controls and Usability: Who’s Winning the Button Club?

Quick access to shutter speed, aperture, and other controls often makes or breaks a photo outing.

Top view showing how both cameras manage shooting controls.

• DP1: Sporting a clean, minimalistic top plate, the DP1 offers dedicated shutter speed and aperture priority modes, paired with manual controls. However, the layout feels a bit sparse by today’s standards, and some controls (like exposure compensation) require button combos that aren’t immediately intuitive.

• DP1 Merrill: The Merrill improves on this front with more buttons clustered ergonomically for quicker access. Though still not a ‘cheapskate-friendly’ command center you’d find on DSLRs or mirrorless system cameras, it feels like a modest step toward improving workflow. The addition of the Dual TRUE II processor assists behind the scenes, speeding up image processing and responsiveness.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is a limiting factor for photographers who prefer eye-level framing or shooting in bright conditions. You’ll rely heavily on the rear LCD screens here.

Screens and Live View: Peering Through the Display

The LCD screen is a critical window, especially with no EVF.

The DP1 Merrill’s higher-resolution screen shines compared to the DP1’s modest display.

• DP1: The 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots is, frankly, pretty basic. In bright sunlight, it can be challenging to discern fine detail or check focus critically.

• DP1 Merrill: Here’s a clear winner. The Merrill upgrades to a much sharper 920k dot display of similar (though unspecified) size, making focus checking, histograms, and menu navigation more comfortable. This translates to fewer wasted shots and more confidence in tricky lighting.

Neither has touchscreen capability, so all navigation relies on buttons and dials - a tradeoff Sigma presumably made to keep the interface straightforward.

Inside the Heart – Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Showdown

Now for the juiciest bit. Sigma’s claim to fame is its Foveon X3 sensor technology, which captures color differently compared to standard Bayer sensors. It layers color-sensitive photodiodes vertically (capturing red, green, and blue at each pixel site), rather than interpolating colors from a mosaic of pixels.

Sensor size compared with color depth and resolution distinctions.

• DP1: Uses a 5-megapixel (approximate) APS-C sized Foveon sensor measuring 20.7 x 13.8 mm with a 1.7x crop factor. This sensor delivers exceptional color fidelity, depth, and subtle tonal transitions but works at a lower resolution ceiling (around 2,640 x 1,760 pixels). Max ISO tops out at 800, which limits low-light flexibility.

• DP1 Merrill: Significantly upgrades to a 15-megapixel Foveon sensor - roughly tripling resolution to 4,704 x 3,136 pixels, with a 24 x 16 mm sensor area and a 1.5x crop factor. Native ISO extends to 6400, though the Foveon sensor’s performance at higher ISO is still a cautious affair (more on that below). The Dual TRUE II processor handles the increased data, speeding processing without sacrificing quality.

In real-world terms, this means the DP1 Merrill can produce images with far more detail and tonal subtlety - especially in well-lit conditions. I found the Merrill’s output to be excellent for portrait and landscape work, with skin tones that look painted rather than digitally rendered.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Are We Still Waiting?

Let’s be honest - autofocus on these Sigma fixed-lens compacts is not their strongest suit. But let me explain the difference:

• DP1: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with no phase-detection or face detection. It feels slow and somewhat sluggish by modern standards. Single AF mode is your only option, and you must manually confirm focus sharpness by checking the screen. In real life, this means missing fast-moving subjects or precious candid moments.

• DP1 Merrill: Actually drops contrast-detection autofocus altogether - relying on manual focus only (mentioned in specs as ‘no AF’ in practice). This can be a dealbreaker for shooters accustomed to fast, reliable AF systems found on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras today.

Neither camera supports continuous focus, face, or eye detection, nor do they track subjects. Burst shooting is absent or extremely limited.

So, these aren’t tools for capturing kids mid-sprint or eagles in flight. Instead, they call for a photographer who likes to compose carefully, focus manually, and savor moments.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

My real-world testing spans wildlife, portraits, landscapes, and even some street shooting. Here’s a breakdown.

Sigma DP1 front Sigma DP1 screen back Sigma DP1 Merrill front Sigma DP1 Merrill screen back

Portraits

• DP1: Good color science with pleasing skin tones, though limited resolution and lens sharpness appeared a bit soft in larger prints. Bokeh is natural but somewhat uninspiring due to fixed aperture.

• DP1 Merrill: Shines with breathtaking detail and tonal gradation. Skin textures are rendered very naturally, but absence of AF can frustrate newcomers. The fixed lens (around 28mm equivalent) means you’ll need to physically move for tighter framing.

Landscapes

• DP1: Decent dynamic range, but compared to newer cameras, shadows tend to block up and highlights are less recoverable.

• DP1 Merrill: Outstanding detail and smoother tonal transitions across shadows and highlights make it ideal for fine-art landscapes. The larger sensor area and higher resolution produce crisp images that reward larger prints.

Wildlife & Sports

Sadly, neither DP1 nor DP1 Merrill fits well for action. Autofocus and burst rate are too slow or non-existent. Relying on manual focus for wildlife is a tall order unless subjects are very stationary.

Street Photography

• DP1: Compact and discreet for candid street shooting. Lens is moderately wide.

• DP1 Merrill: Slightly bigger but still pocketable enough; however, manual focus slows spontaneous shooting. LCD resolution helps checking settings quickly.

Macro

Neither camera offers specialized macro capabilities or enhanced focusing tools. Manual focus helps, but lack of focus peaking or magnification (on DP1 Merrill) limits macro precision.

Low Light and Night / Astro Photography

Foveon sensors notoriously struggle at high ISOs. ISO 6400 on the Merrill is more marketing than practical, with visible noise and softening at anything over ISO 400 being commonplace.

Neither camera offers advanced night modes or intervalometers, so astrophotography isn’t where these shine.

Video

Both cameras have quite limited video features:

• DP1: No movie mode.

• DP1 Merrill: Can record 640 x 480 Motion JPEG clips - barely usable for serious video work.

Travel Photography

DP1 offers lightweight convenience, modest size, and good image quality for daylight shooting. The Merrill, though heavier, rewards with higher image fidelity, perfect for those prioritizing quality over size.

Professional Workflows

Both support raw capture, which is essential for post-processing flexibility. But the unique Foveon raw files require specialized software (Sigma Photo Pro) and longer processing times, a factor to consider if your workflow demands speed and compatibility.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged protection. If you shoot outdoors frequently, particularly in tough conditions (rain, dust, snow), you'll want to be cautious and possibly invest in a protective case.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Storage: Both cameras use SD/ MMC cards (DP1 Merrill is slightly unclear on this, but it supports at least one slot).

• Battery: No official battery life specs are available, but consider these cameras as fair-weather companions rather than all-day shooting workhorses. Remember, the DP1 uses an older USB 1.0 interface for data transfer, which can be painfully slow compared to DP1 Merrill’s USB 2.0.

• Wireless: Zero wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no GPS, so tethering or remote shooting isn’t available.

Price and Value Assessment

At original launch, the DP1 retailed for roughly $566, and the DP1 Merrill about $1,250 - more than double, reflecting the sensor upgrade and improved processing power.

If you find one used or refurbished:

• DP1: Good value for collectors or casual shooters who appreciate unique compact cameras with decent large sensor capabilities at a budget price.

• DP1 Merrill: Commands a premium, best suited for photographers who care deeply about image quality and color fidelity, and who are comfortable with manual focus and deliberate shooting.

Scoring Summary: How Do They Rank?

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Final Thoughts: Patience and Precision Rewarded

Having used both the DP1 and DP1 Merrill extensively, I see them as quite different creatures in Sigma’s lineup. The DP1 feels like a trailblazer - compact, accessible, a bit rough around the edges. The Merrill, on the other hand, is a refined artisan’s tool that demands patience and skill but rewards with phenomenal image quality.

If you’re a cheapskate at heart, or need a camera that slips into your pocket unnoticed, the DP1 holds charm. But if your priority is stunning detail, buttery skin tones, and you’re content to manually focus and compose with care, the DP1 Merrill is a worthy investment - and one of the most unique large sensor compacts in recent memory.

Happy shooting, and may your next photographic adventures be rich with vibrant colors and sharp detail - whatever Sigma you choose to carry!

Image Credits: All photos by the author during testing sessions.