Sigma DP1 vs Sony H20

On this page, we are contrasting the Sigma DP1 vs Sony H20, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the DP1 (5MP) and H20 (10MP) and the DP1 (APS-C) and H20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The DP1 was brought out 12 months earlier than the H20 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony H20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the DP1 matches up against the H20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. The entire galleries are viewable at Sigma DP1 Gallery and Sony H20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP1 comes with physical measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Sony H20 has measurements of 107mm x 69mm x 47mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.9") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Sigma DP1 vs Sony H20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the DP1 against the H20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the DP1 and H20 is 87 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the DP1 and H20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The DP1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony H20 will deliver extra detail having its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged DP1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.