Skip to product overview

Sigma DP1 Merrill Digital Camera

The Sigma DP1 Merrill is a 15MP APS-C compact camera — known for its APS-C Foveon X3 Sensor and 15MP Effective Resolution. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sigma DP1 Merrill Digital Camera

Sigma DP1 Merrill Digital Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Sigma DP1 Merrill Digital Camera is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Sigma DP1 Merrill sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Sigma DP1 Merrill on GearFocus

Available Now on GearFocus

SIGMA FP DIRECTORS VIEWFINDER CAMERA COMPLETE
SigmaExcellent

SIGMA FP DIRECTORS VIEWFINDER CAMERA COMPLETE

1 watching
$1,300.00
Sigma fp Body w/45mm kit SC:N/A
SigmaLike New

Sigma fp Body w/45mm kit SC:N/A

$1,299.99
Trusted partner
Sigma FP Mirrorless Camera and Accessories
SigmaExcellent

Sigma FP Mirrorless Camera and Accessories

1 watching
$1,240.00
Sigma DP2 Quattro
SigmaGood

Sigma DP2 Quattro

$1,099.00
Sigma DP1 Quattro
SigmaExcellent

Sigma DP1 Quattro

$999.00

Camera Overview — Sigma DP1 Merrill

The Sigma DP1 Merrill is a point-and-shoot compact camera built around a 15MP APS-C Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor, setting it apart from typical cameras in its class. The Foveon sensor captures full color information at every pixel location, which distinguishes it from conventional sensor designs. With a fixed lens configuration, this camera is purpose-built for photographers who want a dedicated, single-focal-length shooting experience in a compact body.

The sensor delivers a native ISO range of 100 to 6400, giving shooters flexibility across a range of lighting conditions. Autofocus is handled by a 9-point contrast detection system, a reliable approach for a camera of this type. Images can be captured at a maximum resolution of 4704x3136 pixels, and the camera supports a broad range of color profiles including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, and Sepia, making it versatile for different creative intentions straight out of camera.

The 3.0-inch TFT LCD display provides a clear interface for composition and review. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, ensuring wide compatibility. The camera runs on a Lithium-Ion battery and carries no weather sealing, which is worth noting for outdoor use.

No image stabilization of any kind is present in this camera.

Key Features — Sigma DP1 Merrill

APS-C Foveon X3 Sensor: Unlike Bayer-pattern sensors, the Foveon X3 captures full color information at every pixel location, producing images with distinctive detail and color rendering.

15MP Effective Resolution: Delivers a maximum output of 4704x3136 pixels, yielding files with strong detail for a compact fixed-lens camera.

Fixed Wide-Angle Lens: The DP1 Merrill features a fixed 19mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 28mm on full-frame), making it purpose-built for wide-angle and street photography.

ISO 100–6400 Range: Native sensitivity range gives shooters flexibility from bright daylight to lower-light conditions, though the Foveon sensor performs best at base ISO.

Contrast Detection AF: Contrast detection autofocus provides reliable focusing performance suited to the camera's deliberate, considered shooting style.

Seven Color Profiles: In-camera color profiles including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, and Sepia allow creative control without post-processing.

Camera Specifications — Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sigma DP1 Merrill full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
SensorAPS-C
Resolution15MP
ProcessorFoveon X3 Direct Image Sensor
ISO Range100 – 6400
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points9-point AF
Max Photo Resolution4704x3136
Image StabilizationNone
Display3.0-inch TFT LCD
Storage MediaSD, SDHC, SDXC

Description — Sigma DP1 Merrill

The Sigma DP1 Merrill is a compact point-and-shoot camera centered on a 15MP APS-C Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor, an unusual choice for a fixed-lens compact that gives it a distinctive place in the market. Images are captured at a maximum resolution of 4704x3136 pixels, and the camera supports a native ISO range of 100–6400. Autofocus relies on a 9-point contrast detection system, and the fixed lens mount means there are no interchangeable optics — this is a purpose-built tool for a specific style of shooting.

The 3.0-inch TFT LCD handles all composition and playback duties, as no viewfinder is included. Seven color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, and Sepia — provide meaningful in-camera creative options. Storage is handled by SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and the camera is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery.

There is no image stabilization and no weather sealing, so users should plan accordingly.

Pros — Sigma DP1 Merrill

  • ✓APS-C Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor captures full color data at every pixel for distinctive image rendering
  • ✓High maximum resolution of 4704x3136 pixels for a compact fixed-lens camera
  • ✓ISO range of 100–6400 offers flexibility across varied lighting situations

Cons — Sigma DP1 Merrill

  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in challenging outdoor conditions
  • ✗No viewfinder present, requiring full reliance on the 3.0-inch LCD for composition

Videos — Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sigma DP 1 & 2 Merrill Field Test with Nick Devlin — TheCameraStoreTV

Resources & Downloads — Sigma DP1 Merrill

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Sigma DP1 Merrill

What type of sensor does the Sigma DP1 Merrill use?+
The DP1 Merrill uses a Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor with an APS-C sized sensor and a 15MP resolution. This sensor type is a defining characteristic of the camera and sets it apart from conventional point-and-shoot designs.
What is the ISO range on the DP1 Merrill?+
The camera offers an ISO range from 100 to 6400, giving you a reasonable spread for shooting in both bright and lower-light conditions.
Does the DP1 Merrill have image stabilization?+
No — the DP1 Merrill has no image stabilization of any kind. Neither in-body nor digital IS is present, so a steady hand or stable support is important when shooting in lower light.
What memory cards does the DP1 Merrill accept?+
The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, covering a wide range of commonly available storage media.
What color profiles are available in-camera?+
The DP1 Merrill offers seven color profiles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, B&W, and Sepia. These allow for creative control over image rendering without post-processing.
Does the DP1 Merrill have a viewfinder?+
No optical or electronic viewfinder is present. Composition and image review are handled entirely through the 3.0-inch TFT LCD display on the rear of the camera.

Similar to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Loading similar products...