Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony HX400V

On this page, we are evaluating the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony HX400V, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Sigma and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and HX400V (20MP) and the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and HX400V (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SD1 Merrill was launched 22 months before the HX400V making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief view of how the SD1 Merrill scores vs the HX400V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma SD1 Merrill & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The complete galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery & Sony HX400V Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sigma SD1 Merrill provides physical dimensions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs) whilst the Sony HX400V has dimensions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Examine the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony HX400V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SD1 Merrill against the HX400V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD1 Merrill and HX400V is 57 and 62 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1 Merrill and HX400V.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SD1 Merrill because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX400V will produce more detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older SD1 Merrill will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.