• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.6 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Sigma DP1 advantages over Olympus E-420

  • Larger sensor
    0.98 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 4.74 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    278g vs 453g
    Lighter weight

Olympus E-420 advantages over Sigma DP1

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $999 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 3.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 1.53 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 4.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    13 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon XSi

Sigma DP1
Canon XSi
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-420
Canon XSi
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-520

Sigma DP1
Olympus E-520
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-420
Olympus E-520
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Olympus E-620

Sigma DP1
Olympus E-620
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-420
Olympus E-620
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Olympus E-450

Sigma DP1
Olympus E-450
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-420
Olympus E-450
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3

Compared to Olympus E-600

Sigma DP1
Olympus E-600
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-420
Olympus E-600
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
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