Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Nikon S2

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Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Nikon S2

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APS-C 369.0mm²
14.8 megapixels
28.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Sigma DP1 Merrill Review.
See real-world photos taken with the DP1 Merrill.

1 inch 115.3mm²
14.2 megapixels
ISO 200 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon S2 Review.

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Differences

Sigma DP1 Merrill advantages over Nikon S2

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 1 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 5.00 vs 2.85 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher-res screen
307k vs 154k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
Hot shoe
Hot shoe vs None
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Doesn't require an AA filter
Yes vs No
A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Nikon S2 advantages over Sigma DP1 Merrill

Less expensive
$450 vs $799 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
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
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

270 vs 97 shots
Capture more photos
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Thinner
29 mm vs 63 mm
Thinner
HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Lighter weight
190g vs 391g
Lighter weight
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
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Faster JPEG shooting
60.0 fps vs 3.8 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
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
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
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
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S2

Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens

Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses

Review Excerpt

Exceptionally detailed and uniquely beautiful image quality at low ISOs; Fast, sharp 28mm-equivalent lens; Simple, straightforward controls match camera's simple, straightforward (street photography) goals.
Fixed-focal-length lens; Image quality deteriorates significantly at ISO 800 and above; Overall sluggish performer; Falls short when capturing JPEGs; Terrible VGA-only video quality; Very poor battery life; No built-in flash.
Read our Sigma DP1 Merrill Review

We haven’t reviewed the Nikon S2.
Read our Nikon S2 Preview

The Competition

Compared to Leica X2

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Leica X2

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
More dots on screen

$1499
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Longer stills battery life

Compare Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Leica X2

Nikon S2

Leica X2

$399
1 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$1499
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S2 vs Leica X2

Compared to Pentax Q7

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Pentax Q7

$849
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$380
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2

Pentax Q7

$399
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$380
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Pentax Q-S1

$849
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$350
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2

Pentax Q-S1

$399
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$350
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Leica X-E (Typ 102)

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
More dots on screen

$1534
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Internal flash

Compare Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Nikon S2

Leica X-E (Typ 102)

$399
1 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$1534
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S2 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Fujifilm X70

$849
APS-C

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
Touchscreen

Compare Sigma DP1 Merrill vs Fujifilm X70

Nikon S2

Fujifilm X70

$399
1 inch

Less expensive
Thinner

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S2 vs Fujifilm X70

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