Sigma DP1 vs Sony A500

Below is a extended review of the Sigma DP1 versus Sony A500, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the DP1 (5MP) and A500 (12MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The DP1 was introduced 15 months prior to the A500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the DP1 grades versus the A500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sigma DP1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are provided at Sigma DP1 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Sigma DP1 offers physical dimensions 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 A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Sigma DP1 versus Sony A500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the DP1 against the A500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the DP1 and A500 is 87 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the DP1 and A500.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Sony A500 to show greater detail using its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older DP1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.