Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony A7R

Let's look a little more closely at the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony A7R, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Sigma and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and A7R (36MP) and the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and A7R (Full frame) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The SD1 Merrill was launched 22 months before the A7R making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the SD1 Merrill matches up against the A7R in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony Alpha A7R. The complete galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery and Sony A7R Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Sigma SD1 Merrill features outside dimensions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs) while the Sony A7R has measurements of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs).

Check the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony A7R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SD1 Merrill versus the A7R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SD1 Merrill and A7R is 57 and 78 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The picture underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1 Merrill and A7R.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SD1 Merrill because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A7R will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged SD1 Merrill is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.