Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony A390

On this page, we are evaluating the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony A390, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Sigma and Sony. The resolution of the DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the A390 (14MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The DP2 Merrill was revealed 19 months later than the A390 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the DP2 Merrill matches up vs the A390 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma DP2 Merrill & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are available at Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Sigma DP2 Merrill offers external measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) and the Sony A390 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony A390 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the DP2 Merrill against the A390.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the DP2 Merrill and A390 is 83 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the DP2 Merrill and A390.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Sigma DP2 Merrill to give extra detail because of its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The newer DP2 Merrill is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.