Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony RX1R

Here is a in-depth review of the Sigma SD1 Merrill versus Sony RX1R, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Sigma and Sony. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and RX1R (Full frame) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The SD1 Merrill was brought out 14 months prior to the RX1R which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SD1 Merrill grades vs the RX1R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma SD1 Merrill & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The entire galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Sigma SD1 Merrill enjoys exterior measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1R has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Compare the Sigma SD1 Merrill versus Sony RX1R in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SD1 Merrill vs the RX1R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD1 Merrill and RX1R is 57 and 79 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SD1 Merrill and RX1R.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SD1 Merrill due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony RX1R will give more detail having its extra 9 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older SD1 Merrill is going to be behind in sensor innovation.