Sigma SD1 vs Olympus PEN E-P1

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1
      56
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      61
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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 and the Olympus PEN E-P1, 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 was introduced in September 2010 and Olympus PEN E-P1 was introduced in July 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD1 Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Olympus PEN E-P1 Highlights

      • 12 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sigma SD1
      4. Advantage of Olympus PEN E-P1
      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 and Olympus PEN E-P1.

      PROS

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   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
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 55
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   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 - 300 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Advantage of Sigma SD1

      Sigma SD1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 over Olympus PEN E-P1.

      Sigma SD1 vs Olympus PEN E-P1
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 15 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4800 x 3200 vs 4032 x 3024
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 230k dot
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Average Metering vs
      Environmental Sealing vs

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

      Sigma SD10
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD14
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD9
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD15
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Pentax K-01
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Fujifilm X-S20
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Sony ZV-E1
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Samsung NX5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Samsung GX-1L
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Advantage of Olympus PEN E-P1

      Olympus PEN E-P1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus PEN E-P1 over Sigma SD1.

      Sigma SD1 vs Olympus PEN E-P1
      Video Capture vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Live View vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output vs Mini type C
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) vs 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus PEN E-P1.

      Olympus PEN E-PL1s
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN-F
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 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 Olympus PEN E-P1
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot230k dot
        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 and Olympus PEN E-P1 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Sigma SD1

      Sigma SD1 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 96% coverage and 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Olympus PEN E-P1.

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1 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 []. Olympus PEN E-P1 features a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      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 is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution. Olympus PEN E-P1 is equipped with TruePic V processor and can take pictures up to 4032 x 3024 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3200 x 2400, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sigma SD1 has Sigma SA lens mount and Olympus PEN E-P1 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sigma SD1 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Olympus PEN E-P1 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Sigma SD1

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma SD1. 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.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Olympus PEN E-P1

      Olympus PEN E-P1 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

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


      Battery

      Olympus PEN E-P1 comes with BLS-1 battery pack with battery life of 300 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD1 has a single Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot. Olympus PEN E-P1 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Sigma SD1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Olympus PEN E-P1. Sigma SD1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Olympus PEN E-P1 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Sigma SD1 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Olympus PEN E-P1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Olympus PEN E-P1.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD1 body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15") and Olympus PEN E-P1 body has dimensions of 121 x 70 x 36 mm (4.76 x 2.76 x 1.42"). Sigma SD1 weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) and Olympus PEN E-P1 weighs 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz).

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      146 mm

      113 mm

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      121 mm

      70 mm

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      113 mm

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      70 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sigma SD1 and Olympus PEN E-P1

      Sigma SD1 and Olympus PEN E-P1 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

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      GOOD
      74
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      POOR
      52
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   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)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      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)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sigma SD1 and Olympus PEN E-P1 and give them scores of 56 and 61 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

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      OVERALL
      56
      OVERALL
      61

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 55

      Photo

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      POOR
      54
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD1

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      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
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   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

      Olympus PEN E-P1

      GOOD
      77
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


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

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