Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V 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.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V was introduced in April 2013 and Sigma DP1 Merrill was introduced in February 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Highlights

      • 20.4 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V and Sigma DP1 Merrill.

      PROS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      CONS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V over Sigma DP1 Merrill.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V vs Sigma DP1 Merrill
      Sensor Type BSI-CMOS vs CMOS (Foveon X3)
      Max Image Resolution 5184 x 2920 vs 4704 x 3136
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Single Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 28 mm mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 720 mm vs 28 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 30x vs 1x
      Image Stabilization vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 920k dot
      Viewfinder Electronic (optional) vs
      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
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Built-in GPS vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz) vs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V.

      Advantage of Sigma DP1 Merrill

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma DP1 Merrill over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V vs Sigma DP1 Merrill
      Larger Sensor 1/2.3-inch vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.4 Megapixel vs 46 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      RAW Support vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.5 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/ 6.3 vs f/2.8

      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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sigma DP1 Merrill
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,2006,400
        Light272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz)330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sigma DP1 Merrill
        Timelapse Recording
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 1080640 x 480
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Sigma DP1 Merrill has a [] screen with 920k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V.

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V features a 20.4 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. 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.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V can take pictures up to 5184 x 2920 resolution. Sigma DP1 Merrill is equipped with Dual TRUE II engine processor and can take pictures up to 4704 x 3136 resolution.

      Image Stabilization on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V comes with NP-BX1 battery pack with battery life of 400 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo/Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo card slot. Sigma DP1 Merrill has a single card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V, and up to [] on Sigma DP1 Merrill. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V has a built-in flash with maximum range of 5.60 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. Sigma DP1 Merrill has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V body has dimensions of 108 x 64 x 38 mm (4.25 x 2.52 x 1.5") and Sigma DP1 Merrill body has dimensions of 122 x 67 x 64 mm (4.8 x 2.64 x 2.52"). Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V weighs 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz) and Sigma DP1 Merrill weighs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz).

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      108 mm

      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      122 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V and Sigma DP1 Merrill

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      GOOD
      79
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Street Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V and Sigma DP1 Merrill and give them scores of 66 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.


      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      OVERALL
      66
      OVERALL
      43

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Video

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      2
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      BAD
      0
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      BAD
      36
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      GOOD
      81
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

      Sigma DP1 Merrill

      POOR
      46
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 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:

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