Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sigma SD10

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10
      60
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      50
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD1 Merrill and the Sigma SD10, 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.

      Sigma SD1 Merrill was introduced in April 2012 and Sigma SD10 was introduced in March 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD1 Merrill Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sigma SD10 Highlights

      • 3 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 1.8" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sigma SD1 Merrill
      4. Advantage of Sigma SD10
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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 Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sigma SD10.

      PROS

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Live View Autofocus

      CONS

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No 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
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No 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
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)

      Advantage of Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 Merrill over Sigma SD10.

      Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sigma SD10
      Higher Sensor Resolution 15 Megapixel vs 3 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 800
      Max Image Resolution 4800 x 3200 vs 2268 x 1512
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 1.8"
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 130k dot
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Lighter 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) vs 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD1 Merrill.

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD14
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD15
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Epson R-D1x
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Ricoh CX4
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      10 MP

      Samsung NX210
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Sony TX20
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16.2 MP

      Canon 7D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Panasonic GX1
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Sony TX9
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.2 MP

      Advantage of Sigma SD10

      Sigma SD10
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD10 over Sigma SD1 Merrill.

      Sigma SD1 Merrill vs Sigma SD10
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 96% vs 98%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.77x
      Lower Min Shutter Speed [] vs 30 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD10.

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD14
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD15
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sony FX3
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      Full Frame

      10.2 MP

      Epson R-D1x
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Leica M Typ 240
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      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Olympus E-600
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Samsung NX300
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      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX200
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      APS-C

      20 MP

      Leica T Typ 701
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      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.

      WEAKNESSES Sigma SD1 Merrill Sigma SD10
        No Video Capture
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot130k dot
        No Live View
        No 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

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sigma SD1 Merrill has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution and Sigma SD10 has a 1.8" screen with 130k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Sigma SD1 Merrill has 96% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Sigma SD10 has 98% coverage with 0.77x magnification.

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1 Merrill features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 384 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Sigma SD10 features a 3 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 190.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 1,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sigma SD1 Merrill is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution. Sigma SD10 can take pictures up to 2268 x 1512 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1134 x 756, 756 x 504 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sigma SA lens mount. They both have APS-C sensor but because of a small size difference their crop factors (also called lens multiplier) differ from each other. Sigma SD1 Merrill has the crop factor of 1.5x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Sigma SD10 has the crop factor of 1.7x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.7.


      No Low-Pass Filter

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on either of the cameras. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sigma SD1 Merrill it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD10 nothing can be done. On Sigma SD10 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD1 Merrill nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD1 Merrill has a single CompactFlash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot. Sigma SD10 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA compatible) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to [] on Sigma SD1 Merrill, and up to 1/6000 sec on Sigma SD10.


      Focusing

      Sigma SD1 Merrill has Sigma SD10 has . Sigma SD1 Merrill has detection range from 0 to +18 EV.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe to Sigma SD1 Merrill. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD1 Merrill body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15") and Sigma SD10 body has dimensions of 152 x 120 x 79 mm (5.98 x 4.72 x 3.11"). Sigma SD1 Merrill weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) and Sigma SD10 weighs 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz).

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      146 mm

      113 mm

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      152 mm

      120 mm

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      113 mm

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      120 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sigma SD10

      Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sigma SD10 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

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      74
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      POOR
      52
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      50
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      77
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sigma SD1 Merrill and Sigma SD10 and give them scores of 60 and 50 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.


      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      50

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      79
      •   0 EV Min AF Detection
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      POOR
      40
      •   No 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
      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No 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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sigma SD1 Merrill

      Sigma SD10

      GOOD
      77
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      BAD
      36
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)


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

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