Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony W550

Below, we are comparing the Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony W550, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Sigma and Sony. The image resolution of the DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the W550 (14MP) is very close but the DP2 Merrill (APS-C) and W550 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The DP2 Merrill was manufactured 7 months later than the W550 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the DP2 Merrill scores vs the W550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The entire galleries are provided at Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP2 Merrill has got outer dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Sony W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Contrast the Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony W550 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the DP2 Merrill vs the W550.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the DP2 Merrill and W550 is 83 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the DP2 Merrill and W550.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The DP2 Merrill due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will render more detail due to its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern DP2 Merrill provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.