Leica X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica X and the Sigma DP1 Merrill, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Leica X was introduced in September 2014 and Sigma DP1 Merrill was introduced in February 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica X Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,500 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sigma DP1 Merrill Highlights

      • 46 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • [] 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Leica X and Sigma DP1 Merrill.

      PROS

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Video Capture
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      CONS

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Advantage of Leica X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica X over Sigma DP1 Merrill.

      Leica X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill
      Higher Native ISO 12,500 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4704 x 3136
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Single Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reachs More Telephoto 35 mm vs 28 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.7 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/1.7 vs f/2.8
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs []
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 640 x 480

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica X.

      Advantage of Sigma DP1 Merrill

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma DP1 Merrill over Leica X.

      Leica X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 46 Megapixel
      Reaches Wider Angle 35 mm mm vs 28 mm mm
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) vs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Leica X Sigma DP1 Merrill
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,5006,400
        Light486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Leica X Sigma DP1 Merrill
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Viewfinder
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 1080640 x 480
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Leica X has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and Sigma DP1 Merrill has a [] screen with 920k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Sensor

      Leica X features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23 x 15.5 mm and a total area of 356.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,500. Sigma DP1 Merrill features a 46 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 256 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Leica X can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4272 x 2856, 3264 x 2160, 2144 x 1424, 1632 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Sigma DP1 Merrill is equipped with Dual TRUE II engine processor and can take pictures up to 4704 x 3136 resolution.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      NFC on Leica X

      Leica X has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Leica X comes with BP-DC8 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Leica X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Sigma DP1 Merrill has a single card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X, and up to [] on Sigma DP1 Merrill. Leica X can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Leica X has a built-in flash. Sigma DP1 Merrill has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica X body has dimensions of 133 x 73 x 78 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.07") and Sigma DP1 Merrill body has dimensions of 122 x 67 x 64 mm (4.8 x 2.64 x 2.52"). Leica X weighs 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) and Sigma DP1 Merrill weighs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz).

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      133 mm

      73 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      122 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      73 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      78 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Leica X and Sigma DP1 Merrill

      Leica X and Sigma DP1 Merrill for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      46
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Street Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica X and Sigma DP1 Merrill and give them scores of 53 and 43 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      43

      Sensor

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      51
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Video

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      2
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      54
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      BAD
      0
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      BAD
      36
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      48
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Leica X

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      52
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.