Sigma DP1 vs Sony A7S

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sigma DP1 and Sony A7S, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the DP1 (5MP) and A7S (12MP) and the DP1 (APS-C) and A7S (Full frame) enjoy different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The DP1 was brought out 6 years before the A7S and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A7S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the DP1 matches up vs the A7S in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma DP1 and Sony Alpha A7S. The entire galleries are viewable at Sigma DP1 Gallery and Sony A7S Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP1 provides outer measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony A7S has measurements of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 489 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Sigma DP1 and Sony A7S in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the DP1 against the A7S.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the DP1 and A7S is 87 and 77 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the DP1 and A7S.

As you can see, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The DP1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A7S will give you greater detail having its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older DP1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.