Sigma
fp
Minimalist full-frame box camera for creative stills and video.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Jul 2019
Sigma
sd1 Merrill
APS-C Foveon X3 body delivering extraordinary per-pixel detail and unique color rendering.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Mar 2012
fp is 7.3 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
fp
Wins
sd1 Merrill
13 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher Resolution (46 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 11 fps)
- 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 sharefp
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)
fp is 8mm narrower and 16mm shorter than sd1 Merrill but it is also 8mm thicker.
fp is 40 g heavier than sd1 Merrill.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm fp · 80mm sd1 Merrill
Sensor size, to scale
fp
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
fp
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AA filter
Only fp supports it
Reasons to choose
sd1 Merrill
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 145.5, 113.5, 80
Animal / bird AF
Only sd1 Merrill supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only sd1 Merrill supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only sd1 Merrill supports it
Weather sealing
Only sd1 Merrill supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Touchscreen
Only sd1 Merrill supports it
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
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 6 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
fp
Pros
- ✓Ultra compact
- ✓L-mount
- ✓Unique concept
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –24MP
- –Poor ergonomics for long shoots
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 fp and sd1 Merrill at major authorized retailers.
Sigma sd1 Merrill
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, fp or sd1 Merrill?
sd1 Merrill scores 9.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for fp — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the fp and sd1 Merrill?
fp is 24.2 MP and sd1 Merrill is 46 MP, so the sd1 Merrill captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the fp and sd1 Merrill have in-body image stabilization?
fp does not have IBIS, while sd1 Merrill has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the fp or the sd1 Merrill?
fp reaches 11 fps electronic. sd1 Merrill reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the fp and sd1 Merrill?
fp weighs 720 g and sd1 Merrill weighs 680 g, so the sd1 Merrill is 40 g lighter.
Do the fp and sd1 Merrill record 4K video?
fp: 4K up to 60p. sd1 Merrill: 4K up to 60p.
Are the fp and sd1 Merrill weather sealed?
fp: No. sd1 Merrill: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the fp and 640 shots for the sd1 Merrill, giving the sd1 Merrill the edge.
How much does each cost?
fp launched at $1,899 and sd1 Merrill at $2,299. The fp is $400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way fp vs sd1 Merrill vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.