Sigma
BF
Minimalist full-frame L-mount body with large top screen and unique design.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Apr 2024
Sigma
sd1 Merrill
APS-C Foveon X3 body delivering extraordinary per-pixel detail and unique color rendering.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Mar 2012
BF is 12.2 years newer.
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Wins
BF
Wins
sd1 Merrill
16 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher Resolution (46 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- Bsd1 Merrill has lower Weight (680 g vs 720 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareBF
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
sd1 Merrill
146 × 114 × 80 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
BF is 8mm narrower and 16mm shorter than sd1 Merrill but it is also 8mm thicker.
BF is 40 g heavier than sd1 Merrill.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm BF · 80mm sd1 Merrill
Sensor size, to scale
BF
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
sd1 Merrill
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
BF
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AA filter
Only BF supports it
Reasons to choose
sd1 Merrill
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 145.5, 113.5, 80
Resolution
46 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
Weight
680 g vs 720 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 49
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 90 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
BF
Pros
- ✓Unique design
- ✓Full-frame
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Niche ergonomics
- –Limited controls
sd1 Merrill
Pros
- ✓Unique Foveon rendering
- ✓Exceptional detail
- ✓No AA filter needed
- ✓Distinct look
Cons
- –Very slow
- –Poor high ISO
- –SA mount limited
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the BF and sd1 Merrill at major authorized retailers.
Sigma sd1 Merrill
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, BF or sd1 Merrill?
BF scores 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for sd1 Merrill — 720g — manageable for travel.
What's the resolution difference between the BF and sd1 Merrill?
BF is 24.2 MP and sd1 Merrill is 46 MP, so the sd1 Merrill captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the BF and sd1 Merrill have in-body image stabilization?
BF has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while sd1 Merrill has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the BF or the sd1 Merrill?
BF reaches 15 fps electronic. sd1 Merrill reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the BF and sd1 Merrill?
BF weighs 720 g and sd1 Merrill weighs 680 g, so the sd1 Merrill is 40 g lighter.
Do the BF and sd1 Merrill record 4K video?
BF: 4K up to 60p. sd1 Merrill: 4K up to 60p.
Are the BF and sd1 Merrill weather sealed?
BF: Yes. sd1 Merrill: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the BF and 640 shots for the sd1 Merrill, giving the sd1 Merrill the edge.
How much does each cost?
BF launched at $1,999 and sd1 Merrill at $2,299. The BF is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way BF vs sd1 Merrill vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.