Canon SX230 HS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a in-depth review of the Canon SX230 HS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SX230 HS (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is very well matched but the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The SX230 HS was unveiled 17 months before the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SX230 HS scores versus the DP3 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Canon SX230 HS Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX230 HS offers outside dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX230 HS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SX230 HS against the DP3 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX230 HS and DP3 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The graphic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and DP3 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX230 HS having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will resolve more detail having an extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The older SX230 HS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.