Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony A57

In this article, we are evaluating the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony A57, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Sigma and Sony. The image resolution of the DP2 Merrill (15MP) and the A57 (16MP) is very close and they come with the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

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The DP2 Merrill was launched 7 months before the A57 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the DP2 Merrill grades against the A57 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are provided at Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP2 Merrill comes with outer dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the DP2 Merrill against the A57.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the DP2 Merrill and A57 is 83 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching specs. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the DP2 Merrill and A57.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A57 to render greater detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The older DP2 Merrill will be behind in sensor technology.