Sigma DP2 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Following is a complete review of the Sigma DP2 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both designed by Sigma. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the DP2 (5MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The DP2 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the SD1 Merrill which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP2 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the DP2 grades versus the SD1 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP2 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Sigma DP2 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sigma DP2 features outside dimensions of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

Check out the Sigma DP2 versus Sigma SD1 Merrill in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the DP2 compared to the SD1 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the DP2 and SD1 Merrill is 86 and 57 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the DP2 and SD1 Merrill.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You can expect to see the Sigma SD1 Merrill to give extra detail having an extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged DP2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.