Sigma SD1 vs Sony W690

Let's take a more detailed look at the Sigma SD1 vs Sony W690, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Sigma and Sony. The resolution of the SD1 (15MP) and the W690 (16MP) is fairly close but the SD1 (APS-C) and W690 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The SD1 was launched 17 months before the W690 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sigma SD1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W690 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SD1 scores against the W690 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma SD1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The complete galleries are viewable at Sigma SD1 Gallery and Sony W690 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Sigma SD1 has got exterior measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony W690 has dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Contrast the Sigma SD1 vs Sony W690 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the SD1 against the W690.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD1 and W690 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SD1 and W690.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SD1 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Sony W690 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older SD1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.