Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony W730

The following is a extended comparison of the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony W730, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Sigma and Sony. The image resolution of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the W730 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and W730 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SD1 Merrill was announced 9 months earlier than the W730 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W730 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the SD1 Merrill grades against the W730 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730. The whole galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery and Sony W730 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sigma SD1 Merrill has got outside 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 W730 has measurements of 93mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 122 grams (0.27 lbs).

Compare the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony W730 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SD1 Merrill compared to the W730.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD1 Merrill and W730 is 57 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SD1 Merrill and W730.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SD1 Merrill having a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony W730 will show more detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged SD1 Merrill will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.