• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

Buy From

Differences

Sigma SD1 Merrill advantages over Leica S-E (Typ 006)

  • Less expensive
    $2299 vs $16900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    796g vs 1260g
    Lighter weight
  • More AF points
    11 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.1 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica S-E (Typ 006) advantages over Sigma SD1 Merrill

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 5.00 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.09x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    37.5 vs 14.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sigma SD1 Merrill

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 50D

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Canon 50D
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Canon 50D
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Nikon D300S
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Nikon D300S
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Internal flash

Compared to Leica S (Typ 006)

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $10535
  • Medium format

Compared to Leica S (Typ 007)

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Nikon D500

Sigma SD1 Merrill
Nikon D500
  • $8492
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Nikon D500
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Compare Other Cameras?