• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.8 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    36 mm vs 58 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

  • Read our Panasonic GF5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GF2
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Panasonic GF2

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF2
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF2

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GF3
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Panasonic GF3

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF3

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Olympus E-PL3
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Olympus E-PL3

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Olympus E-PM1
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Olympus E-PM1

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PM1
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Olympus E-PM1

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GF3X
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF3X

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