Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Zeiss ZX1: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison of Two Large Sensor Compacts

In the ever-evolving landscape of large sensor compact cameras, the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Zeiss ZX1 stand as fascinating case studies in design philosophy, technological ambition, and photographic potential. These two cameras both aim for uncompromising image quality with fixed lenses - yet they couldn’t be more different in their approach, tech, and handling. Having logged dozens of hours shooting with each, I’m excited to share a detailed, hands-on comparison that will help serious enthusiasts and professionals weigh their strengths and weaknesses for various photographic disciplines.

Seeing Them Side by Side: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions count, and when you pick up a camera, its physical form sets many expectations.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill is strikingly compact and lightweight, measuring 122x67x59mm and weighing just 330 grams. Its small, boxy shape belies its large APS-C Foveon X3 sensor inside. The fixed 50mm f/2.8 lens is unapologetically simple but famously sharp. In contrast, the Zeiss ZX1 is a heftier, substantial device, clocking in at 142x93x46 mm and tipping the scales at 800 grams – more than twice the DP2 Merrill’s weight. It sports a 35mm f/2 lens, prioritizing a classic street and documentary focal length.

This difference speaks volumes: the DP2 Merrill fits effortlessly in a coat pocket or small bag and invites a low-profile shooting style. Conversely, the ZX1 makes a statement - more camera than gadget, demanding a deliberate handling experience.

The ergonomic design also reflects these philosophies. The Zeiss incorporates a pronounced grip and extensive physical controls atop the body, while the Sigma leans heavily into minimalism with sparse buttons and no grip, fostering a more contemplative, tripod-friendly use.

If you prize portability for street and travel photography, the DP2 Merrill’s slender build is a hard-to-ignore advantage. For those who want tactile control with a more robust feel, the ZX1 feels grounded and responsive in the hand.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Approaches

The heart of any camera is its sensor. Here, the Sigma DP2 Merrill and the Zeiss ZX1 could hardly be more divergent.

The Sigma uses the unique Foveon X3 sensor - a design that captures color information on three separate silicon layers at each pixel location. Its 15-megapixel resolution (4704x3136) isn’t high by today’s standards, but each pixel contains rich color fidelity. The sensor measures 24x16mm (APS-C-sized) with an antialiasing filter. Foveon’s advantage is remarkable color depth and smooth tonal gradation, ideal for stills where nuance in skin tones or artful textures matter.

Meanwhile, the Zeiss ZX1 adopts a traditional 37MP full-frame CMOS sensor (36x24mm). This sensor offers a markedly higher pixel count and significantly bigger sensor area - over twice the Sigma’s 384 mm² vs. ZX1’s 864 mm² - translating into better dynamic range, low-light capability, and versatility across genres. Zeiss also incorporates a conventional Bayer filter array, enabling faster readout speeds and improved autofocus performance.

In practice, the DP2 Merrill excels in static, detail-oriented photography such as fine art or still-life - its color rendition is unparalleled, delivering figurative “3D” depth and painterly tonality. On the other hand, the ZX1’s sensor gives you refinement combined with speed and flexibility, performing excellently in varied lighting, from dim interiors to bright landscapes, without sacrificing detail.

Display, Viewfinder, and Interface: Modern Usability Versus Classic Minimalism

A camera’s interface governs how intuitively you can shoot and review images.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill uses a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with modest 920,000-dot resolution and no touchscreen. Without an electronic viewfinder or articulating screen, you’re tethered to direct-lift LCD framing, which can feel limiting but encourages thoughtful composition. All adjustments require physical dials or menu navigation - no fancy touch UI here.

The ZX1, by contrast, boasts a sizable 4.34-inch fully articulated touchscreen at a stunning 2765k-dot resolution - perfect for critical review or creative framing angles. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 6221k-dot resolution is a genuine standout, delivering crisp, lag-free previews with 100% coverage. The touchscreen interface works fluidly, with gesture controls and fast menu access, fostering a modern shooting experience more in line with mirrorless cameras.

For professionals used to relying on quick tactile feedback and an EVF for precise manual focusing, the ZX1 offers excellent live view performance and focusing aids. Sigma fans will appreciate the DP2 Merrill’s simplicity and eye-level shooting discipline, but the lack of an EVF feels decidedly retrograde for today’s standards.

Autofocus and Manual Focus Experience: Precision Over Speed

Autofocus performance is a critical consideration across almost every photographic genre.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill has no autofocus system whatsoever. Its focus mechanism is strictly manual, which demands patience and skill. The fixed lens has a moderate aperture of f/2.8, but focusing precision relies on the photographer’s eyes aided by magnification zoom on the LCD or external tools like a loupe. This design signals Sigma’s intention: this camera is for professionals or enthusiasts willing to engage deeply with every shot, especially in controlled environments.

Zeiss ZX1, however, incorporates a contrast-detection AF system with 255 focus points and tracking capabilities, including face detection. Although it lacks phase detection, it performs admirably in daylight and controlled indoor lighting, tracking subjects well with consistent accuracy. The autofocus is not blazing fast compared to top-tier sports cameras but is perfectly suited for street, travel, and casual wildlife photography.

Manual focus is available on the ZX1 too, and the large touchscreen makes focus adjustments precise and intuitive; the camera offers peaking and magnification aids to nail critical focus - features missing entirely on the Sigma.

Image Stabilization, Continuous Shooting, and Burst Performance

Neither camera offers built-in image stabilization, placing greater emphasis on lens sharpness and steady handling. Considering their large sensors and high resolutions, this omission is a drawback, particularly for handheld shooting in low light or with slower shutter speeds.

Continuous shoot speeds are modest:

• Sigma DP2 Merrill shoots up to 4 frames per second.
• Zeiss ZX1 manages 3 frames per second.

While neither target fast-paced action photography, the Sigma’s conservative frame rate fits with its methodical style where composing and exposure take precedence. The ZX1 could manage casual bursts better but won’t keep up with pro-level sports or wildlife cameras.

Lens Quality and Focal Length Considerations

The fixed lens on each camera dramatically shapes image character and practical uses.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill: 50mm (equivalent), f/2.8 - a classic “normal” lens offering flattering compression and narrow depth of field - excellent for portraits, studio work, and landscape details.
• Zeiss ZX1: 35mm (full frame) f/2 - wider field of view suited for street, environmental portraits, and travel; versatile and widely popular for documentary-style shooting.

The Sigma’s lens delivers buttery smooth bokeh thanks to its moderate aperture and sensor design; however, lacking zoom or wider coverage may frustrate those seeking more framing options.

The Zeiss lens’s faster f/2 aperture lets in more light, helping low-light shootouts and providing good background separation for portraits. Its compactness also supports discreet shooting on the street and while traveling.

Reliability, Build, and Weather Sealing for Professional Use

Neither camera offers significant weather or shock resistance. Both lack dustproofing, waterproofing, and freezeproofing features. Users intending to shoot outdoors in challenging conditions need to be cautious or invest in protective housings.

In terms of reliability, both cameras feel solidly built, with Zeiss offering a slightly more refined finish and better tactile controls.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

Battery life figures are not officially reported in detail for either camera, but real-world use tells the story.

The Sigma’s smaller size limits battery capacity, and its older processing technology is less power-efficient. Typical shooting sessions might require multiple battery changes or spares for a full day.

The Zeiss ZX1 incorporates a large internal 512GB SSD drive, enabling you to store thousands of RAW or JPEG files internally - a unique feature not seen in many cameras. This internal storage supersedes the need for memory cards and reduces file management stress in remote shoots.

However, battery life suffers somewhat given the extensive touchscreen and EVF, so power users should carry spares or plan for recharging options.

Practical Shooting Disciplines: How Do They Perform Across Genres?

Now let’s dig into real-world applicability across major photography types.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand superior skin tone reproduction, accurate color, and the ability to isolate subjects.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Outstanding skin tone realism and fine detail from the Foveon sensor make it ideal for studio portraits or natural light headshots. Its 50mm lens focal length is flattering, and bokeh quality is silky. However, manual focus and lack of face detection mean it’s slow and impractical for candid or fast-moving subjects.
• Zeiss ZX1: Offers face-detection autofocus and real-time focusing aids - plus a faster f/2 lens - making it more versatile for environmental and casual portraits. The 35mm field copes well with group shots but won’t isolate as much background blur as longer lenses.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and stability matter most here.

• The ZX1’s 37MP full-frame sensor confidently captures sweeping vistas, retaining fine texture and shadow detail in challenging lighting. Articulating screen helps critical composition from precarious angles.
• The DP2 Merrill’s 15MP APS-C Foveon sensor yields richly detailed, painterly images favored by fine art landscapers, but lower resolution limits large prints and cropping latitude.

Neither has weather sealing, so cautious use with rain covers or tripods is recommended in inclement weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed, autofocus tracking, and burst rate heavily influence success.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill is not a contender - it lacks autofocus, has a slow frame rate, and a relatively narrow focal length.
• Zeiss ZX1 offers modest AF tracking and 3 fps burst speed - usable for casual wildlife and amateur sports but underwhelming for professional tracking and shutter speed demands.

Street Photography

Requirements include discreetness, portability, low light performance, and fast AF.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill’s low weight and compactness make it nearly invisible for street shooters, but lack of AF and EVF slows candid shooting.
• Zeiss ZX1 balances a robust but streamlined body with speedy AF and bright lens, plus a high-res EVF for compositional confidence. A solid choice for serious street photographers craving quality and control.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is designed for macro - no dedicated macro mode or extreme close-focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO capacity and low noise are key here.

• ZX1 offers a maximum native ISO of 51200, enabling handheld shots in dim conditions, with commendable noise performance.
• DP2 Merrill tops out at ISO 6400 but its older sensor design shows noise quickly beyond ISO 800–1600.

Neither have astro-specific modes but ZX1's articulation and touch controls help working on complex night compositions.

Video Capabilities

Video is largely a secondary function on both.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill can only record VGA 640x480 video in Motion JPEG format - effectively a vestige.
• Zeiss ZX1 shoots 4K UHD (3840x2160 @ 30fps), MPEG-4 H.264 with Linear PCM audio, representing contemporary video utility. However, no microphone or headphone ports reduce professional audio control.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery, size, and durability matter.

• Sigma’s pocketability is a big plus, but slower operation and focus limit shooting speed.
• Zeiss ZX1, while heavier, is a versatile one-body system with excellent stills and video, ample storage, and good interface ergonomics for on-the-go shooting.

Professional Workflows

The DP2 Merrill’s unique RAW files require specialized Sigma software for best conversion and post-processing, potentially complicating workflow integration.

The Zeiss ZX1 runs a built-in Adobe Lightroom Mobile, allowing you to edit RAW files in-camera and export JPEGs and DNGs straight from the device - a rare feature enhancing professional workflows.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Sigma DP2 Merrill has no wireless connectivity.

Zeiss ZX1 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating quick image transfer and remote control capabilities, complementing modern digital workflows and social media sharing without needing a tethered laptop.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At launch, the DP2 Merrill retailed for around $930, while the Zeiss ZX1 commands a premium price (over $6000 on release) due to its cutting-edge hybrid design blending hardware and in-camera Adobe editing.

Given these prices:

• Sigma DP2 Merrill is a highly specialized tool suited for enthusiasts focused on ultimate image color fidelity and manual control.
• Zeiss ZX1 targets professionals and advanced enthusiasts seeking a full-frame compact with integrated editing and modern connectivity at a substantial investment.

Summary Visuals

Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back Zeiss ZX1 front Zeiss ZX1 screen back

Here you can observe the Sigma's rich color depth and signature rendering against the ZX1’s crisp, high-resolution output, balancing detail and dynamic contrast.

The Zeiss ZX1 scores strongly in usability, image quality, and versatility, while the DP2 Merrill shines primarily in image quality standout but scores lower on AF and video.

Performance diverges most dramatically in genres requiring autofocus and speed, like wildlife or sports, where the ZX1 is superior. Sigma’s niche remains in deliberate, fine-detailed stills work.

Who Should Buy These Cameras?

Choose Sigma DP2 Merrill if:

• You are a serious landscape, fine art, or portrait photographer valuing exquisite color fidelity.
• You embrace manual focus and a slow, deliberate shooting cadence.
• Portability and a discrete form factor are imperative.
• Budget is limited to sub-$1000 for a large sensor fixed lens camera.
• You own a sophisticated post-processing workflow capable of handling Foveon RAW.

Choose Zeiss ZX1 if:

• You want a full-frame sensor in a compact body with excellent autofocus and 4K video.
• You value integrated editing and wireless image transfer.
• You shoot events, street photography, or travel and need speed plus high image quality.
• Budget is less of a concern and you want a future-proof system blending DSLR quality with mirrorless usability.
• You appreciate ergonomic controls and a high-res EVF.

Final Thoughts

The Sigma DP2 Merrill and Zeiss ZX1 are both rare beasts: extraordinary large sensor compacts with fixed prime lenses but embodying very different philosophies.

I admire the DP2 Merrill’s striking commitment to image quality purity - a camera designed to make you slow down and craft beautiful images intimately. Its Foveon sensor is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, and I found it revelatory in portrait and landscape shoots where color nuance reigns.

The Zeiss ZX1 feels like a forward-thinking mirrorless hybrid wearing large-sensor compact clothes. It embraces modern user interfaces, autofocus, and video, putting versatility front and center - albeit at a steep price and heavier heft.

Neither are perfect solutions for every photography genre, but each excels in their chosen niche. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize ultimate stills fidelity and discretion (Sigma) or a fast, functional, all-round powerhouse (Zeiss).

If you’ve found this comparison helpful, consider your shooting style, budgets, and future needs carefully before deciding - the right tool is the one that inspires you to create your best work.

Happy shooting!