Canon SX10 IS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a extensive overview of the Canon SX10 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX10 IS (10MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the SX10 IS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SX10 IS was introduced 5 years prior to the DP3 Merrill and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX10 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SX10 IS scores vs the DP3 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX10 IS Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX10 IS has got exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX10 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX10 IS against the DP3 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX10 IS and DP3 Merrill is 65 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by going over specs. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX10 IS and DP3 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX10 IS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will deliver more detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SX10 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.