• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 45 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 58 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    249g vs 355g
    Lighter weight
  • 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 JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS20

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic ZS20
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Panasonic ZS20

Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS20
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Panasonic ZS20

Compared to Sony HX20V

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Sony HX20V
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony HX20V

Panasonic ZS45
Sony HX20V
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Sony H90

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Sony H90
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony H90

Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony H90

Compared to Nikon L610

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Nikon L610
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Nikon L610

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon L610
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Nikon L610

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic ZS35
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Panasonic ZS35

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