Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sony WX80

On this page, we are looking at the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony WX80, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Sigma and Sony. The image resolution of the SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the WX80 (16MP) is very comparable but the SD1 Merrill (APS-C) and WX80 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SD1 Merrill was introduced 9 months prior to the WX80 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Sigma SD1 Merrill being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony WX80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SD1 Merrill grades versus the WX80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80. The whole galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery and Sony WX80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Sigma SD1 Merrill has outside 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 WX80 has sizing of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") and a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

Look at the Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sony WX80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SD1 Merrill and the WX80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD1 Merrill and WX80 is 57 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by checking out a spec sheet. The pic here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SD1 Merrill and WX80.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SD1 Merrill using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony WX80 will produce greater detail using its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged SD1 Merrill will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.