• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sigma DP1 Merrill advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Sigma DP1 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $799 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 2.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • 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
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.49 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.7 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    24 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.7 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 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
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Exceptionally detailed and uniquely beautiful image quality at low ISOs; Fast, sharp 28mm-equivalent lens; Simple, straightforward controls match camera's simple, straightforward (street photography) goals.

  • Fixed-focal-length lens; Image quality deteriorates significantly at ISO 800 and above; Overall sluggish performer; Falls short when capturing JPEGs; Terrible VGA-only video quality; Very poor battery life; No built-in flash.

  • Excellent image quality for its class including very good ISO performance; Improved performance and ergonomics over the E-PL5; LCD tilts 180 degree downward for easier selfies; Upgraded 3-axis IS system.

  • No built-in flash (but a small add-on flash is included); No built-in EVF; Default colors somewhat muted; Somewhat quirky menu system.

The Competition

Compared to Leica X2

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Leica X2
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus E-PL7
Leica X2
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Olympus E-PL5
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 4/3

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Panasonic GF6
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic GF6
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
Olympus E-PL7
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Fujifilm X70
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL7
Fujifilm X70
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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