• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.6 megapixels
  • 41.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sigma DP2 advantages over Olympus E-PM1

  • Larger sensor
    0.98 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Olympus E-PM1 advantages over Sigma DP2

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $870 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 56 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 4.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • 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
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Olympus E-PL3

Sigma DP2
Olympus E-PL3
  • $870
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 vs Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PM1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Sigma DP2
Panasonic GF3X
  • $870
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sigma DP2 vs Panasonic GF3X

Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic GF3X

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sigma DP2
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $870
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sigma DP2 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Olympus E-PM1
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Sigma DP2
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $870
  • 0.98 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner

Compare Sigma DP2 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Olympus E-PM1
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Better color depth

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Ricoh GR

Sigma DP2
Ricoh GR
  • $870
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Integrated ND filter

Compare Sigma DP2 vs Ricoh GR

Olympus E-PM1
Ricoh GR
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Better color depth

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Ricoh GR

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