Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony W650

Here, we are reviewing the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony W650, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Sigma and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the W650 (16MP) is very comparable but the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and W650 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SD1 Merrill was introduced 4 months later than the W650 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W650 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the SD1 Merrill matches up against the W650 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650. The whole galleries are provided at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery and Sony W650 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Sigma SD1 Merrill provides external dimensions 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 W650 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

Examine the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony W650 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SD1 Merrill vs the W650.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD1 Merrill and W650 is 57 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by seeing specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD1 Merrill and W650.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SD1 Merrill using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony W650 will produce greater detail using its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively.