Sigma
sd Quattro
Foveon APS-C body delivering exceptional per-pixel detail for stills purists.
$999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2016
Sigma
sd1 Merrill
APS-C Foveon X3 body delivering extraordinary per-pixel detail and unique color rendering.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Mar 2012
sd Quattro is 4 years newer.
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Wins
sd Quattro
Wins
sd1 Merrill
16 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- Bsd1 Merrill has higher Resolution (46 MP vs 29.5 MP)
- Asd Quattro has lower Weight (520 g vs 680 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to sharesd Quattro
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
sd1 Merrill
146 × 114 × 80 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
sd Quattro is 8mm narrower and 16mm shorter than sd1 Merrill but it is also 8mm thicker.
sd Quattro is 160 g lighter than sd1 Merrill.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm sd Quattro · 80mm sd1 Merrill
Sensor size, to scale
sd Quattro
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
sd1 Merrill
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
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
sd Quattro
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Weight
520 g vs 680 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
sd1 Merrill
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 145.5, 113.5, 80
Resolution
46 MP vs 29.5 MP — higher 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.
sd Quattro
Pros
- ✓Unique Foveon color
- ✓High acutance
- ✓Distinct rendering
Cons
- –Slow
- –Poor high ISO
- –SA mount limited
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 sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill at major authorized retailers.
Sigma sd Quattro
Sigma sd1 Merrill
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, sd Quattro or sd1 Merrill?
sd Quattro scores 8.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for sd1 Merrill — 520g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill?
sd Quattro is 29.5 MP and sd1 Merrill is 46 MP, so the sd1 Merrill captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill have in-body image stabilization?
sd Quattro has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while sd1 Merrill has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the sd Quattro or the sd1 Merrill?
sd Quattro reaches 15 fps electronic. sd1 Merrill reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill?
sd Quattro weighs 520 g and sd1 Merrill weighs 680 g, so the sd Quattro is 160 g lighter.
Do the sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill record 4K video?
sd Quattro: 4K up to 60p. sd1 Merrill: 4K up to 60p.
Are the sd Quattro and sd1 Merrill weather sealed?
sd Quattro: Yes. sd1 Merrill: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the sd Quattro and 640 shots for the sd1 Merrill, giving the sd1 Merrill the edge.
How much does each cost?
sd Quattro launched at $999 and sd1 Merrill at $2,299. The sd Quattro is $1,300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way sd Quattro vs sd1 Merrill vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.