Canon SX170 IS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

On this page, we will be contrasting the Canon SX170 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Sigma. The resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is pretty well matched but the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SX170 IS was released 8 months later than the DP3 Merrill so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX170 IS grades vs the DP3 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS has got outer measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and DP3 Merrill is 88 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Canon SX170 IS will give you more detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS should have a benefit in sensor tech.