• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 896.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Olympus SP-820UZ

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    58 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    355g vs 485g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    7 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus SP-820UZ advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $1000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    896 mm vs 45 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    22 mm vs 45 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P500

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Nikon P500
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Nikon P500

Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon P500
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Nikon P500

Compared to Canon SX50

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Canon SX50
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $459
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Canon SX50

Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX50
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $459
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Canon SX50

Compared to Nikon P600

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Nikon P600
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Nikon P600

Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon P600
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Nikon P600

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Canon SX520 HS
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Canon SX520 HS

Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX520 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Canon SX520 HS

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Canon SX530 HS
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Canon SX530 HS

Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX530 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • Bulb shutter
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Canon SX530 HS

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