Canon SX170 IS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Comparing the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill: An Expert’s Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

Photography enthusiasts often face the challenge of choosing a camera that suits their unique shooting style and requirements amid a landscape packed with intriguing options. Today, I’m putting two very different compact cameras side by side: the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS, a small sensor superzoom designed for versatility and ease, and the Sigma DP3 Merrill, a large sensor compact focused firmly on image quality with its unique Foveon X3 sensor. Both launched in 2013 yet aimed at distinct user bases, they embody two contrasting philosophies in digital imaging. Let’s walk through their features, performance, and practical usage to understand where each could fit best in your kit.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience Meets Minimalist Design

The Canon SX170 IS strikes an unmistakably compact profile typical for a superzoom bridge-style camera. With physical dimensions of 108x71x44 mm and weighing just 251 grams, it favors portability and ease, a camera you can tuck comfortably into a day pack or even a large coat pocket.

Conversely, the Sigma DP3 Merrill measures 122x67x59 mm and tips the scales at 330 grams - noticeably bulkier for a compact and heavier. Those dimensions reflect its APS-C sensor and fixed 75mm lens assembly, wrapped in a minimalist but solid body. It’s more like a precision photographic tool than a grab-and-go zoom camera.

In-hand, the Canon’s rubberized grip and extensive physical controls, including dedicated dials and a 3-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD, provide snap-access to essential settings like shutter priority, aperture priority, and exposure compensation. The fixed LCD, albeit modest in resolution, suffices for composing shots and reviewing images.

The Sigma hosts a sharper 3-inch screen at 920k dots - a real boon when inspecting focus and detail on site. However, the lack of a viewfinder and minimal external controls means you’ll spend time adjusting exposure manually and focusing carefully, suited to contemplative shooting rather than quick bursts.

The Canon’s compact, ergonomic design amplifies its role as a versatile travel companion. In contrast, the Sigma’s heft and interface invite a deliberate approach to photography. Neither includes eye-level viewfinders, so the rear LCD is your main framing tool on both.

Sensor Technology: Small Sensor Convenience vs. Large Sensor Precision

Here lies one of the core philosophical divides.

The Canon SX170 IS houses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area) with 16 megapixels of resolution. This small sensor size restricts native ISO sensitivity (100-1600) and dynamic range. The CCD sensor lineage pushes excellent color reproduction within its limits but falls short under challenging light, especially high ISO or backlit scenes. Moreover, the sensor’s smaller footprint translates to a smaller pixel pitch, inherently limiting noise control and depth of field control options.

In contrast, the Sigma DP3 Merrill uses a substantially larger APS-C size CMOS sensor (24 x 16 mm, 384 mm²) featuring the innovative Foveon X3 layer stacking. This medium format-like sensor design captures full color information at every pixel location by layering red, green, and blue capture elements effectively - leading to superb color fidelity and resolution equivalent to roughly 15 megapixels. The wider native ISO range (100-6400) of the CMOS sensor can handle low-light conditions more gracefully, though not without noise at very high ISOs.

The sensor difference profoundly affects photographic applications: the Canon’s sensor is optimized for casual, everyday shooting, with compromises in image quality that match its price and usage intent. The Sigma’s sensor demands careful use - it shines in controlled lighting where resolution and color accuracy are paramount but struggles with speed and autofocus capabilities.

Lens and Optics: Versatility vs. Primes with Character

The Canon packs an aggressively wide 28–448 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom with 16x optical reach and maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 at wide angle to f/5.9 telephoto. This range is perfect for everything from landscapes to wildlife distant shots - albeit at modest aperture speeds limiting low-light telephoto use and depth of field control.

Its macro focus of 1 cm is quite impressive for a compact, allowing a close-up experience for casual nature or product shots. Plus, optical image stabilization (OIS) tames hand shake effectively, particularly crucial at the long end of the zoom.

On the flip side, the Sigma DP3 Merrill sports a fixed 75 mm (equivalent to 75 mm x 1.5 crop factor) prime lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture. This provides excellent sharpness and beautiful background separation – a boon for portraiture and fine detail work. However, the lack of zoom means compositional flexibility requires physically moving rather than adjusting focal length.

The Sigma lens exhibits classic prime lens character: edge-to-edge sharpness, creamy bokeh, and tactile feedback when manually focused. Unfortunately, it lacks optical stabilization, so shooting at slow shutter speeds requires a steady hand or tripod use.

The Canon’s zoom is versatile but optically compromises image fidelity compared to superior prime glass. The Sigma targets the serious photographer who prioritizes image quality over convenience.

Autofocus and Performance: Quick and Simple vs. Deliberately Manual

The Canon SX170 IS uses contrast-detection autofocus augmented by face-detection technology. It offers single autofocus (AF) and basic tracking modes aimed at beginners or casual shooters. However, the maximum continuous burst rate is just 1 FPS, making it unsuitable for fast-action photography like sports or wildlife.

In contrast, the Sigma DP3 Merrill features no autofocus system at all - it requires manual focus only. This is a distinctive approach, relying on the photographer’s control for precision focusing, especially critical with its high-res Foveon sensor. The DP3 offers a 4 FPS burst rate but given its manual focus limitation, action shooting is impractical.

This contrast highlights the Canon’s accessibility for spontaneous shooting versus the Sigma’s niche appeal to deliberate, considered composition. If speed and automation matter, Canon is your companion. If you embrace control and precision, the Sigma rewards patience and skill.

Image Stabilization and Flash

The Canon’s optical image stabilization effectively smooths out camera shake, particularly useful when shooting handheld at long zoom lengths or in dimmer light. The built-in flash offers several modes - auto, fill, slow synchro - with a modest 3m range. This versatility helps fill shadows in portraits or illuminate close subjects.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill lacks any built-in flash or image stabilization, reinforcing its stance as a high-end compact that expects photographers to use external flashes or tripods as needed. While this limits casual snapshots, it aligns with the camera’s intended workflow.

Display, User Interface, and Controls

The Canon’s 3-inch TFT LCD screen has a resolution of 230k dots – nothing to write home about but adequate for framing and menu navigation. Touch features are absent, which is not uncommon for the era.

The Sigma, on the other hand, has a far superior LCD with 920k dots, enabling critical assessment of focus and detail. This higher resolution screen is a tangible benefit for on-site evaluation, especially since no viewfinder is present.

Neither camera features a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder, and both have limited connectivity options. The Canon supports Eye-Fi card wireless transfers; the Sigma lacks wireless features entirely.

Top controls differ accordingly: Canon provides a traditional dial and buttons layout for quick setting adjustments, which suits beginners and enthusiasts seeking convenience. The Sigma’s minimalist external controls emphasize manual exposure settings and focus, appealing to photographers who prefer a stripped-down process.

Video Capabilities: Modest Offerings for Casual Recording

Both cameras cater minimally to video shooters.

The Canon can capture 720p HD video at 30 or 25 fps in MPEG-4 (H.264) format - sufficient for casual home movies but not for high-quality video projects. No microphone input restricts audio quality enhancement.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill limits video to VGA 640x480 at unknown frame rates using Motion JPEG, usable only for rudimentary clips.

Neither camera supports 4K video or advanced recording features. Video is a secondary function here, a nod rather than a feature.

Battery Life and Storage

Canon’s NB-6LH battery rated for approximately 300 shots per charge is a fair performer for a compact system but not exceptional, especially when shooting zoom telephoto or flash-heavy sequences.

Sigma doesn’t publish specific battery life figures, but given its lack of power-intensive features like AF or stabilization, expect similar moderate endurance. Both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards offering ample storage flexibility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedization. Both are designed as general-use cameras, not for harsh weather conditions or adventure photography.

From a construction standpoint, Canon adopts mostly lightweight plastics with a grippy finish, supportive for general travel and everyday use.

Sigma’s body feels more solid and purposeful, less smooth plastic and more industrial minimalism tailored for durability in studio or controlled settings.

Real-World Photography: Strengths and Use Case Scenarios

Portraiture

The Sigma DP3 Merrill shines in portrait work. The combination of an APS-C Foveon sensor and a 75 mm f/2.8 prime lens provides an exceptional ability to render skin tones faithfully and separate subjects from backgrounds with creamy bokeh. The manual focus forces engagement and care but pays dividends in image quality.

The Canon SX170 IS, with its small sensor and extended zoom, can handle casual portraits, though with less shallow depth of field and more noise in low light. Skin tones tend to be decent but less nuanced. Face detection simplifies framing but doesn’t guarantee artistic results.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers generally need resolution, dynamic range, and weather-sealing. The Sigma’s large sensor and lack of built-in stabilization mean tripod use and careful exposure can yield stunning results with vivid colors and detail. Its limited zoom range (fixed 75mm equivalent) requires cropping or panoramic stitching for broad vistas.

Canon offers far greater composition flexibility with 28–448 mm zoom, making framing landscapes easier on the fly. However, the small sensor puts it at a disadvantage in dynamic range and detail preservation, especially in shadows and highlights.

Wildlife and Sports

The Canon’s 16x zoom is a useful asset for distant wildlife or sports subjects. Still, slow autofocus, only single AF, and a maximum 1 FPS burst rate limit its real-world utility for fast, unpredictable action.

The Sigma, with manual focus and no tracking autofocus, is ill-suited for dynamic wildlife or sports photography. It’s best reserved for static subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

Size and discretion matter here. The Canon’s compact bridge form is unobtrusive and user-friendly, especially for casual travel photography requiring versatility.

Sigma’s larger body may draw more attention and requires deliberate shooting technique; however, the prime lens and image quality make it a powerful tool for intimate, well-conceived street portraits or fine art travel images.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Only the Canon offers a notable macro mode down to 1 cm, enabling detailed close-ups without additional equipment - a great bonus for botanists or product shooters on a budget.

The Sigma’s macro capabilities hinge on manual focus precision but lack dedicated macro designation.

Night and Astro Photography

Sigma’s larger sensor and extended ISO range (up to 6400) give it a clear edge in low-light and night shooting, although its lack of stabilization requires tripod support.

Canon’s small sensor struggles with noise at ISO 1600 max, and slow shutter speed options are limited.

Sample Images and Image Quality Observations

Looking at the side-by-side gallery of sample images captured in varied conditions, the difference in capture quality is immediately apparent.

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Sigma DP3 Merrill front Sigma DP3 Merrill screen back

Images from the Sigma DP3 Merrill burst with detail, rich tonal gradation, and excellent color depth. The high-resolution LCD screen proves invaluable when reviewing these files.

The Canon’s files are serviceable for casual use - decent colors and sharpness on sunny days but noticeably less dynamic range and higher noise levels in shadows.

Overall Performance and Ratings: Objective Assessment

Quantifying performance across key criteria provides clarity:

• Image Quality: Sigma DP3 Merrill leads comfortably (due to sensor tech and prime lens).
• Autofocus and Speed: Canon SX170 IS favored for user-friendly AF and operational speed.
• Features and Flexibility: Canon excels in zoom versatility and stabilization.
• Build and Handling: Sigma preferred for solid feel; Canon for ergonomic design.
• Video: Canon offers basic HD; Sigma limited.
• Battery & Connectivity: Canon better supported.

Genre-Specific Recommendations

Specific shooting disciplines tip the scales:

• Portraits: Sigma, for image quality and bokeh.
• Landscapes: Sigma with tripod; Canon for casual snaps.
• Wildlife & Sports: Canon, due to zoom and AF.
• Street: Canon for portability; Sigma if deliberate.
• Macro: Canon for close focusing.
• Night: Sigma for sensor and ISO.
• Video: Canon for HD capture.
• Travel: Canon for all-in-one capability.
• Professional use: Sigma as a secondary camera and image quality tool.

Pricing and Value Consideration

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS, being older technology and aimed at budget-conscious users, was priced very affordably (original retail below $200). It represents remarkable value for those seeking versatile zoom compactness without fuss.

Conversely, the Sigma DP3 Merrill launched near the $1350 mark, demanding a premium for its Foveon sensor and image quality specialization. Its niche appeal limits broader accessibility but justifies cost for image quality devotees.

Conclusions: Choosing Your Compact Companion

From my extensive testing and experience, the Canon SX170 IS and Sigma DP3 Merrill address very different photographer profiles. The Canon is a practical, all-rounder in a compact package - excellent for casual shooting, travel, and family use with easy zoom, stabilization, and automated functionality.

The Sigma is for the dedicated image quality seeker: a manual focus medium sensor compact with a stellar prime lens that rewards patience and technical skill. It’s a secondary tool for serious enthusiasts or professionals wanting image precision and color accuracy typically eclipsing most compacts.

If you want convenience and adaptability, Canon is the clear choice. If uncompromising quality and photographic control drive you, the Sigma is worth the investment - but be prepared for a steeper learning curve and slower shooting.

Either way, understanding these cameras’ core virtues empowers you to pick a user experience tailored exactly to your photographic ambitions.

I hope this comparative review helps you navigate these two unique cameras! For any further detailed tests or sample file access, feel free to reach out.