Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon D5100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon D5100 has external dimensions of 128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.11″) and weighs 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz) (including batteries). Sigma DP2 Merrill has external dimensions of 122 x 67 x 59 mm (4.8 x 2.64 x 2.32″) and weighs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon D5100 and the Sigma DP2 Merrill. Sigma DP2 Merrill is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 6mm narrower, 30mm shorter and 20mm thinner than Nikon D5100. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Sigma DP2 Merrill has a built-in lens but Nikon D5100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D5100, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of the Nikon D5100 and the Sigma DP2 Merrill Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon D5100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill.
Comparison image of the Nikon D5100 and the Sigma DP2 Merrill Size and Weight - Back View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon D5100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill.
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon D5100 and the Sigma DP2 Merrill Size
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Sigma DP2 Merrill is significantly lighter (230g ) than the Nikon D5100 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on D5100, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon D5100 nor Sigma DP2 Merrill provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon D5100 and Sigma DP2 Merrill's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Nikon D5100 sports a
Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. Sigma DP2 Merrill's LCD screen is a fixed type which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to D5100.
