• 1/2 inch 30.7mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Fujifilm HS30EXR advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $1000 (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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 45 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 45 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Fujifilm HS30EXR

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    58 mm vs 126 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    355g vs 687g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm HS20EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS20EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
Sigma DP2 Merrill
Fujifilm HS20EXR
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm HS25EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
Sigma DP2 Merrill
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm HS50EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS50EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Sigma DP2 Merrill
Fujifilm HS50EXR
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compared to Fujifilm HS35EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS35EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • $778
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slow-motion videos
Sigma DP2 Merrill
Fujifilm HS35EXR
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $778
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm S8200

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm S8200
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • RAW file ability
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Sigma DP2 Merrill
Fujifilm S8200
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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