Canon SX1 IS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below, we will be evaluating the Canon SX1 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The SX1 IS was unveiled 4 years prior to the DP3 Merrill which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SX1 IS grades against the DP3 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX1 IS enjoys physical dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Canon SX1 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SX1 IS and the DP3 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and DP3 Merrill is 64 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specs. The pic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX1 IS and DP3 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX1 IS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will resolve greater detail having an extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SX1 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.