Sigma DP2s vs Sony S980

Here is a complete assessment of the Sigma DP2s vs Sony S980, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Sigma and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the DP2s (5MP) and S980 (12MP) and the DP2s (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The DP2s was introduced 13 months later than the S980 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Sigma DP2s being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the DP2s scores against the S980 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP2s and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are viewable at Sigma DP2s Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Sigma DP2s provides exterior measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has proportions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Sigma DP2s vs Sony S980 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the DP2s against the S980.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the DP2s and S980 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the DP2s and S980.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The DP2s having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony S980 will give extra detail using its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The younger DP2s should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.