Canon SX30 IS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Canon SX30 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Sigma. The resolution of the SX30 IS (14MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is pretty similar but the SX30 IS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The SX30 IS was unveiled 3 years before the DP3 Merrill and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX30 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SX30 IS matches up vs the DP3 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX30 IS Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX30 IS comes with outer dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") with a weight of 601 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") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Canon SX30 IS versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX30 IS versus the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX30 IS and DP3 Merrill is 64 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The photograph below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX30 IS and DP3 Merrill.

To sum up, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX30 IS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will offer you extra detail having an extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older SX30 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.