Sigma DP1 vs Sigma SD9

Let's take a deeper look at the Sigma DP1 and Sigma SD9, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are offered by Sigma. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the DP1 (5MP) and SD9 (3MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The DP1 was unveiled 5 years after the SD9 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sigma SD9 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the DP1 grades vs the SD9 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma DP1 and Sigma SD9. The full galleries are available at Sigma DP1 Gallery and Sigma SD9 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP1 offers external measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sigma SD9 has measurements of 152mm x 120mm x 79mm (6.0" x 4.7" x 3.1") having a weight of 950 grams (2.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Sigma DP1 and Sigma SD9 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the DP1 compared to the SD9.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the DP1 and SD9 is 87 and 54 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking technical specs. The picture below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the DP1 and SD9.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Sigma DP1 to give you more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer DP1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.