Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sigma fp

Choosing Between the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sigma fp: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When Sigma shook up the camera world with the SD1 Merrill back in 2012 and then pivoted to the compact yet powerful Sigma fp in 2019, they addressed wildly different photography philosophies. I’ve spent countless hours with both models, delving deep into their unique sensor technologies, ergonomics, and shooting experiences. If you’re on the hunt for an advanced DSLR or a high-quality mirrorless camera but find yourself torn between these two very different Sigma offerings, you’re in the right place.

This detailed face-off covers everything from core technical specs to how these cameras truly perform in the field – be it portrait studios, rugged landscapes, wildlife adventures, or multimedia projects. My goal? To empower you with practical, hands-on insights and clear recommendations tailored to your photographic passions and workflow.

The Battle of Two Sigma Giants: Form Factor & Handling

At first glance, the SD1 Merrill and Sigma fp couldn’t be more contrasting. The SD1 Merrill feels solid and substantial in hand - a mid-size SLR body with the classic DSLR heft and build. Meanwhile, the Sigma fp is astonishingly compact - one of the smallest full-frame mirrorless bodies you’ll find, with a sleek, minimalist design.

The SD1 Merrill measures a comfortable 146x113x80mm and tips the scales at 790 grams, lending a reassuring, professional grip. It’s the kind of camera you settle in with for deliberate, slow shooting. Conversely, the Sigma fp’s 113x70x45mm frame and 422-gram weight make it a pocketable powerhouse, ideal for photographers valuing portability and unobtrusiveness.

Checking the top design layouts, the DSLR’s control scheme uses a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder combined with a dedicated set of physical buttons and dials designed for tactile feedback and fast access.

The Sigma fp, on the other hand, strips things down to essentials with no built-in viewfinder, relying instead on the rear touchscreen live view. This can be polarizing - if you like optical viewfinders, the Merrill will feel familiar, whereas the fp embraces modern mirrorless philosophy by relying on electronic framing and LCD feedback.

Ergonomics verdict:

• SD1 Merrill wins for those who want classic DSLR heft and physical controls.
• Sigma fp excels if you prefer light, compact gear with touchscreen convenience, even though it lacks built-in stabilization and a viewfinder.

Sensors & Image Quality: Foveon versus BSI-CMOS

The heart of any camera is the sensor, and here Sigma’s two flagship models depart sharply in philosophy and implementation. The SD1 Merrill carries Sigma’s much-celebrated Foveon X3 sensor. Unlike traditional Bayer sensors, the Foveon stacks three photodiode layers to capture full color information at every pixel location, replicating the natural absorption of light. This produces remarkably rich, detailed images with an almost painterly texture, especially at base ISOs.

In contrast, the Sigma fp sports a conventional 24x36mm full-frame backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. Though it uses the Bayer filter array, it benefits from modern manufacturing and processing that deliver excellent dynamic range, clean high-ISO performance, and video capability unheard of in the older Merrill.

• SD1 Merrill’s 15MP Foveon X3 (4800x3200): Exceptional color fidelity and resolving power, albeit the effective pixel count is often debated since each layer is counted separately, leading to a unique but lower sensitivity and dynamic range.
• Sigma fp’s 25MP full-frame CMOS (6000x4000): Larger sensor area, better noise handling, and broader ISO range (100–25600 native; 6–102400 boosted) for low light and video.

Real-world image quality:

I tested landscapes on both cameras. The Merrill’s rendition is undeniably stunning, with nuanced colors and texture detail that pop in large print. Skin tones in portraits are almost flawless, offering a natural smoothness without artificial sharpening. However, shadow recovery and noise control can be limiting because of the lower dynamic range and ISO ceiling.

The fp handles mixed lighting much better, retaining highlight and shadow detail elegantly across exposures. Its higher resolution and sensitivity make it more versatile for fast-paced or lower-light scenarios but some photographers note a slightly less “organic” color feel compared to the Foveon.

Artistry in Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

When evaluating a camera’s autofocus (AF), I scrutinize speed, accuracy, tracking, and usability in different lighting and subject scenarios. The SD1 Merrill, being a DSLR, uses phase-detection AF behind the optical viewfinder but lacks modern enhancements. It provides single and continuous AF modes but no face or eye detection. The focus points are limited and not cross-type. This makes it a slower, more manual experience - great for contemplative work like still lifes or portraits under controlled conditions, but less adept for fast action or wildlife.

The Sigma fp is mirrorless and features a hybrid AF system relying mainly on contrast-detection with touch-to-focus on the rear screen. It supports face detection and continuous tracking with 49 focus points spread across the frame. This affords better subject tracking for street photography, events, and even some wildlife if paired with suitable lenses.

Focus performance snapshot:

• SD1 Merrill shines when precision is paramount, but requires patience and manual skill.
• Sigma fp’s AF is more nimble and modern, making it easier to grab shots in dynamic environments.

Neither camera has eye AF for animals - a notable gap if that is your primary pursuit.

Display and Interface: A Window Into Your Image

If you rely heavily on live view or quick image review, the display is critical. The SD1 Merrill sports a 3” fixed screen with 460k-dot resolution - adequate but not dazzling by today’s standards. There’s no touch, and its fixed angle can be a limitation for waist-level or overhead shooting. Notably, it does not offer live view for framing; you shoot through the optical viewfinder.

The Sigma fp elevates the user experience with a larger 3.15” fixed, high-resolution touchscreen boasting roughly 2.1 million dots. This makes menu navigation intuitive and live framing dependable. Touch autofocus and pinch-to-zoom during image review are intuitive enhancements missing on the Merrill.

If you value a dynamic, responsive rear LCD, the fp wins hands down. For those who prefer optical viewfinders and button-based control, the SD1 Merrill may appeal more, though its screen is somewhat dated.

Real Shooting Sessions: Sample Image Comparisons

To see how these cameras perform on actual assignments, I compiled a gallery capturing portraits, landscapes, wildlife, street scenes, and studio stills. The images reveal clear distinctions in color rendition, detail, and tonal response.

Sigma SD1 Merrill screen back Sigma fp front Sigma fp screen back

The Merrill’s portraits have a creamy bokeh and skin tones that feel finely nuanced but are slower to capture. Its landscapes, while rich with texture, occasionally struggle with shadow noise.

The fp’s shots have cleaner shadows, reach higher ISO with visible but smooth noise, and reveal better edge-to-edge sharpness on wide angles. Its full-frame sensor naturally delivers shallower DOF for portraits when desired.

Specialty Photography Uses and How Each Camera Stacks Up

Photography includes a wide array of genres, so let’s break down how each Sigma caters to specific disciplines.

Portraits

• SD1 Merrill: Wins for exquisite skin tone rendition and natural bokeh via Sigma’s SA-mount lenses optimized for the Foveon sensor.
• Sigma fp: More flexible background blur and better autofocus for quick sessions, plus higher ISO when shooting on location.

Landscape

• SD1 Merrill: Outstanding details in mid-to-low ISO daylight scenes, but dynamic range limits harsh lighting.
• fp: Superior dynamic range and resolution make it my pick for versatility, especially in challenging light.

Wildlife

• SD1 Merrill: Limited due to AF speed and lack of fast continuous shooting.
• fp: Better AF tracking and 12 fps burst make it far more viable for birds or animals on the move.

Sports

• Similar case to wildlife - the Merrill just can’t keep pace, fp’s burst and AF win.

Street

• fp’s compact body and silent shutter mode make it excellent for candid shooting.
• Merrill’s bulk and shutter noise less suited.

Macro

• Both are handicapped without built-in stabilization.
• SD1 Merrill’s limited AF system means more manual focus work.
• fp’s touchscreen and live view aid precise focusing.

Night/Astro

• Traditionally, Foveon sensors lag here due to noise and dynamic range.
• Sigma fp’s full-frame sensor and high ISO options make it friendlier under stars.

Video Capabilities

• Merrill: No video at all.
• fp: 4K UHD at 30p, good audio input/output, suitable for hybrid shooters.

Travel

• fp, hands-down winner for size and weight, and flexible for stills/video.
• Merrill feels chunky and heavy for long-haul.

Professional Reliability and Workflow

Both feature weather sealing but lack dustproof/shockproof certifications. Merrill’s processing is slower with larger RAW files due to Foveon complexity. fp supports SD UHS-II cards, speeding transfers.

Build Quality, Connectivity, and Battery Life

Both cameras have weather sealing - good for working outdoors - but only to a point. Neither is waterproof or shockproof. The SD1 Merrill’s bulky body feels rugged but aged. The Sigma fp’s metal chassis is impressively sturdy for its size.

Connectivity is sparse for both; no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS on either model. The Sigma fp has HDMI out and microphone/headphone jacks for video use; Merrill has USB 2.0 only.

Battery specs are modest and not class leaders. fp’s battery model BP-51 is modern but offers roughly 280 shots per charge. SD1 details are sketchy, but expect older, less efficient chemistry requiring spares for day-long shoots.

Storage-wise, Merrill uses CompactFlash cards (Type I, UDMA compatible), while the fp opts for more consumer-friendly SD UHS-II cards.

Cost and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

The Sigma SD1 Merrill retails slightly higher (approx. $2340) than the fp ($2050), despite being over seven years older. Why? The Foveon sensor’s unique imaging capability and the DSLR build contribute to this premium.

However, for most working professionals and hobbyists, the Sigma fp offers a far better price-to-performance ratio considering modern features, sensor size, autofocus, and video.

Summary Scores and Genre-specific Ratings

I’ve tabulated overall camera performance across key parameters and for photography types based on real field use and lab tests.

My Final Thoughts: Which Sigma Should You Choose?

If you want the ultimate image quality in skin tones and color fidelity, prioritize large prints, and enjoy a traditional DSLR shooting style, the Sigma SD1 Merrill remains an extraordinary tool. It’s a niche camera for patient, deliberate artistic photographers who adore the Foveon look and have a commitment to Sigma SA lenses.

But if you crave versatility, lighter weight, better autofocus, video capability, and modern sensor technologies, the Sigma fp is clearly the smarter choice. It excels in genres demanding speed, low-light performance, and unobtrusiveness. Plus, it suits hybrid shooters combining stills and 4K video in one package.

To summarize:

• Choose the SD1 Merrill if: you prioritize ultimate color and detail in static scenes, do mostly studio portraiture or carefully crafted landscape work, and prefer optical viewfinders.
• Choose the Sigma fp if: you want a pocketable full-frame camera with video, fast AF, excellent low-light handling, and a flexible mirrorless ecosystem.

No matter your choice, both cameras hold a special place in Sigma’s lineup and in the hearts of photographers who value unique image quality and thoughtful engineering. I encourage you to handle both if possible and assess which aligns best with your style - after all, the best camera is the one that feels like an extension of your creative vision.

If you want to dive deeper into sensor tests or see more sample images, check my full reviews linked above. And dear Sigma lovers or competitors reading this – please bring a follow-up that intelligently combines the best of both worlds!

Happy shooting!