• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2 inch 30.7mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1000.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sigma SD1 Merrill advantages over Fujifilm HS50EXR

  • 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
    80 mm vs 145 mm
    Thinner
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Fujifilm HS50EXR advantages over Sigma SD1 Merrill

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $550 vs $2299 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Sigma SD1 Merrill

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 50D

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Canon 50D
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Fujifilm HS50EXR
Canon 50D
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Nikon D300S
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Fujifilm HS50EXR
Nikon D300S
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm HS30EXR

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm HS50EXR
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch

Compared to Fujifilm HS25EXR

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm HS50EXR
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon D500

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Nikon D500
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Fujifilm HS50EXR
Nikon D500
  • $339
  • 1/2 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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