Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony RX10

Below, we will be evaluating the Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony RX10, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Sigma and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and RX10 (1") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The SD1 Merrill was introduced 23 months prior to the RX10 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SD1 Merrill matches up vs the RX10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are available at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Sigma SD1 Merrill has exterior measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") having a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony RX10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SD1 Merrill compared to the RX10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1 Merrill and RX10 is 57 and 58 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SD1 Merrill and RX10.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD1 Merrill with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony RX10 will result in extra detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older SD1 Merrill will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.