Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony W830

Here is a thorough analysis of the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony W830, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Sigma and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the DP2 Merrill (15MP) and W830 (20MP) and the DP2 Merrill (APS-C) and W830 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The DP2 Merrill was announced 23 months before the W830 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W830 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the DP2 Merrill scores versus the W830 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830. The whole galleries are available at Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery and Sony W830 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Sigma DP2 Merrill enjoys outside dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Sony W830 has specifications of 93mm x 52mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.9") along with a weight of 122 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony W830 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the DP2 Merrill and the W830.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the DP2 Merrill and W830 is 83 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the DP2 Merrill and W830.

As you can tell, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The DP2 Merrill using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Sony W830 will produce greater detail with its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older DP2 Merrill will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.