Canon PowerShot SX720 HS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When selecting a camera amidst today’s plethora of models, understanding each device’s underlying technology and real-world performance can be overwhelming yet crucial - especially when comparing cameras as fundamentally different as the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the Sigma DP3 Merrill. These two compact cameras each target very distinct user priorities, sensor technologies, and shooting scenarios, offering a fascinating study in contrasts. Drawing upon over 15 years of extensive hands-on camera testing and technical analysis, I aim to provide a meticulously detailed, authoritative comparison that guides the photography enthusiast or professional in making an informed choice tailored to their specific needs.

Putting the Cameras Into Perspective: Built and Ergonomic Differences

At first glance, the Canon SX720 HS and the Sigma DP3 Merrill manifest as different beasts physically and ergonomically. The Canon SX720 HS’s hallmark is its pocket-friendly, ultra-zoom compact form - very much designed for convenience and travel versatility. Measuring a compact 110x64x36mm and weighing a light 270 grams, its plastic construction balances lightness with everyday durability, though it lacks any weather sealing or ruggedness features.

Conversely, the Sigma DP3 Merrill is noticeably larger and chunkier at 122x67x59mm and 330 grams, with a solid, utilitarian build befitting its serious image quality aspirations, even though it also lacks environmental sealing. The heftier size partly owes to the innovative Foveon X3 sensor and fixed 75mm f/2.8 lens configuration, necessitating a more substantial body for handling. Both cameras feature fixed lenses and lack electronic viewfinders, relying solely on LCD screens for composition.

The Canon SX720’s layout emphasizes ease-of-use with clearly marked dials and a logical control scheme, including modes like Aperture and Shutter Priority to encourage creative control alongside full auto. The Sigma DP3 Merrill relies on a minimalist direct control setup focused on manual focus and exposure control, catering to users willing to sacrifice speed for image fidelity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

At the heart of any camera comparison lies sensor technology, as it largely dictates image quality potential, shooting flexibility, and noise performance.

• Canon PowerShot SX720 HS: Equipped with a 1/2.3-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), the SX720 HS sports a high resolution 20.3-megapixel count. Despite this seemingly impressive pixel count, the physical sensor size is very compact, typical for superzoom compacts. This limits its ability to gather light, impacting low light performance and dynamic range. The DIGIC 6 processor aids noise management and color reproduction but can only push the small sensor so far. The sensor uses an anti-alias filter which slightly softens fine details to avoid moiré.

• Sigma DP3 Merrill: The DP3 Merrill stands apart with its unique APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (24.0 x 16.0 mm, 384 mm²), the largest of the two by a factor of nearly 14 in surface area. Though it advertises a 15-megapixel output, the Foveon X3 captures full color information at each pixel location across three layers, giving it an effective resolution and color fidelity perception often compared to much higher pixel counts on conventional Bayer sensors. Unfortunately, the proprietary sensor also leads to lower high ISO usability beyond ISO 800–1600 and has a slower readout speed.

Real-World Implications: The Canon will perform more flexibly across varied lighting situations owing to modern algorithms and sensor design but at the cost of image sharpness and dynamic range when compared to the DP3 Merrill’s APS-C sensor and rich color depth. The Sigma’s images capture exceptional detail and color gradation, especially in controlled lighting conditions. However, its lack of noise suppression at higher ISOs limits usability in low light.

Autofocus: Speed vs Precision

Autofocus performance often differentiates cameras for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography, where speed and accuracy are paramount.

• The Canon SX720 HS utilizes a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system enhanced with face detection and tracking capabilities. It covers central areas well and includes continuous AF modes suitable for moving subjects, albeit at a modest burst rate of 5.9 frames per second. While not competitive with current flagship CSCs in responsiveness, the system performs reliably for casual wildlife and sports capture under good lighting.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill, in comparison, embraces entirely manual focus operation. There are no autofocus points, and no live view contrast-detect AF support is provided. This is a notable limitation for fast-paced shooting. Photographers must rely on focus peaking and magnification aids to ensure precise manual focusing.

Practical Considerations: For sports, wildlife, or dynamic street photography requiring rapid subject acquisition, the Canon SX720 HS is far more practical. The Sigma’s manual focus is tailored for deliberate composition and static subjects such as portraits or landscape, where time taken to focus precisely enhances image quality.

Lens and Zoom Range Versus Fixed Focal Length

Lens versatility and optical quality constitute a core trade-off between these two cameras.

• Canon SX720 HS: Offers a 24-960mm equivalent zoom (40x optical zoom) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3 to f/6.9. The extensive zoom range provides unmatched reach for travel and wildlife shooting, allowing photographers to capture subjects at a great distance. Optical image stabilization helps offset shake, critical at ultra-telephoto extremes. However, the variable aperture becomes quite narrow at longer focal lengths, limiting low-light capabilities and bokeh quality for portraits.

• Sigma DP3 Merrill: Features a fixed 75mm (1x crop factor) lens with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture. While telephoto zoom functionality is absent, the fixed prime lens is optimized for portraiture and studio work, delivering high sharpness, gorgeous color rendition, and controlled depth of field. Image stabilization is missing, though the wider aperture somewhat compensates by permitting faster shutter speeds.

In a nutshell, the Canon’s all-in-one superzoom approach sacrifices optical speed and ultimate image quality for appealing convenience and reach, whereas the Sigma’s large sensor combined with a sharp prime lens emphasizes uncompromising image quality at a single, portrait-friendly focal length.

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Interface

Both cameras incorporate a 3.0-inch fixed LCD screen around 920k dots resolution, but their interface philosophies diverge distinctly.

• The Canon SX720 HS sports an intuitive and user-friendly interface with classic Canon menu layouts, a physical control ring on the lens barrel for zoom and focus, and essential exposure control dials, facilitating a relatively smooth learning curve for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The lack of a touchscreen is a downside in an era where touch interfaces are increasingly standard.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s interface is notably more spartan, reflecting its more technical user base focused on manual operation. The absence of autofocus or extensive automation puts a premium on deliberate, steady control over each exposure element.

Performance in Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

In portraiture, nuanced skin tone reproduction, creamy bokeh, and reliable eye detection enhance the final image’s emotional impact.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill excels spectacularly here with its larger sensor, absence of a low-pass filter, and excellent fixed 75mm f/2.8 lens that yields shallow depth of field and superb subject isolation. Color fidelity from the Foveon sensor especially captures subtle skin tones more naturally than standard Bayer sensors. However, manual focus demands steady hands and patience.

• The Canon SX720 HS is serviceable for casual portraiture but limited by its smaller sensor and slower lens at telephoto ranges, resulting in less background blur and less nuanced color gradation. Its face detection AF assists in subject acquisition but is basic.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers value dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s APS-C sensor delivers a marked advantage in dynamic range and image detail, producing files rich in tonal gradations and clarity – ideal for fine art landscape work though requiring tripod use owing to slower handling and manual focus.

• The Canon SX720 HS has decent resolution and a flexible zoom but is hindered by a smaller sensor and lack of weather sealing. Its 24mm wide end allows sweeping landscapes but with usual compact-sensor limitations in shadow recovery.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Tracking fast or erratic subjects under diverse light conditions requires rapid AF, high frame rates, and long focal lengths.

• The Canon SX720 HS’s 40x zoom and 5.9 fps burst rate deliver a versatile package for casual wildlife and moderate speed sports. The camera’s contrast-detect AF with subject tracking suffices in decent light but may falter when action or lighting challenges increase.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill is impractical here due to fully manual focus, slow operation, and no burst shooting, restricting its use to static subjects.

Street Photography

Discreet operation, portability, and good low light performance are prized.

• The Canon SX720 HS’s compact size and zoom versatility can help adapt to multiple street scenes, though the lack of an electronic viewfinder may hinder composition in bright daylight. Contrast-detect AF is typically swift enough for casual street shooting.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s manual focus and size make candid street work challenging, though image quality excels for contemplative street portraits if time allows.

Macro Photography

Close-up subjects demand precise focusing and stabilization.

• The Canon’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm at certain zoom lengths, combined with optical stabilization, renders it competent for incidental macro shots.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill lacks dedicated macro focusing modes but benefits from sharp optics and sensor to capture fine detail at its fixed focal length if manual focus is mastered.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure modes determine capability.

• Due to its larger sensor and high-quality optics, the Sigma DP3 Merrill produces cleaner files at low to moderate ISOs, suitable for deliberate night shots with tripod support. However, limitations appear above ISO 800.

• The Canon SX720 HS, with newer sensor processing, allows ISO up to 3200 but with pronounced noise, making it less appealing for serious night photography.

Video Capabilities

• The Canon SX720 HS supports Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 fps using H.264 codec, suitable for casual video capture though lacking 4K, external microphone input, or advanced stabilization.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill offers only basic 640x480 video, clearly signaling video is not a priority.

Travel Photography

Effective travel cameras combine versatility, battery life, and manageable size.

• The Canon SX720 HS’s lightweight body, extensive zoom, built-in Wi-Fi, and NFC connectivity make it user-friendly for travel photographers wanting one tool for various situations.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill is heavier, with minimal connectivity and no stabilization, better suited for planned shoots than unpredictable travel.

Professional Workflow and Work Reliability

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill supports RAW capture essential for professional post-processing but relies on specialized software due to the Foveon sensor. Its lack of autofocus and slower throughput limit on-the-go professional use.

• The Canon SX720 HS lacks RAW support, restricting post-processing flexibility. Its reliability is adequate for casual use but falls short for professional assignments.

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Sigma DP3 Merrill front Sigma DP3 Merrill screen back

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon’s NB-13L battery provides about 250 shots per charge, on the lower side but normal for compact zooms; Sigma does not specify battery life, though it is generally shorter due to sensor design and no power-saving AF.

Both cameras accept SD cards; Canon supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC, whereas Sigma’s specifications are less clear. Neither supports dual card slots.

Connectivity, Ports, and Extras

• The Canon SX720 HS includes built-in WiFi and NFC, facilitating easy image transfer to smartphones and remote control via Canon’s app, a benefit for social media enthusiasts and remote shooting scenarios. HDMI output facilitates connection to external monitors.

• The Sigma DP3 Merrill offers only USB 2.0 connectivity, with no wireless options or HDMI - reflecting its design focus on image quality over convenience.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At an approximate street price of $379, the Canon SX720 HS represents an affordable, feature-rich superzoom compact appealing to casual shooters and hobbyists valuing zoom versatility and connectivity.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, pricing near $1350, is a niche device aimed squarely at image quality purists willing to accept usability compromises for unique color rendition and detail.

Final Performance Scores and Recommendations by Photography Type

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

This head-to-head comparison of the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and the Sigma DP3 Merrill rigorously underscores that these cameras cater to very different photographic philosophies and practical requirements.

• If your priority is a compact all-in-one superzoom travel camera with solid image quality for everyday use, easy-to-use autofocus, video capability, and wireless connectivity, the Canon SX720 HS offers excellent bang for the buck. Its lightweight portability and 40x zoom enable shooting across a variety of genres from travel to casual wildlife and portraits.

• Conversely, if ultimate image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, and studio work, is paramount - and you are comfortable with manual focus, slower operation, and no video - the Sigma DP3 Merrill’s large Foveon sensor and optimized optics provide a distinctive color and detail performance seldom matched in compact cameras. However, this comes at a cost of usability and versatility.

In practical terms, professionals and enthusiasts seeking a highly capable, rapidly responsive camera with zoom flexibility will lean toward the Canon. Meanwhile, photographers dedicated to image fidelity and willing to invest in a specialized creative workflow will find the Sigma uniquely rewarding.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on what you shoot most often, your tolerance for manual workflow, and budget priorities. Both cameras remain interesting options within their respective niches and illustrate how advances in sensor technology and optical design cater to very different photographic pursuits.

For a visual recap and more specialized insights by genre, please refer to the included galleries and charts inline throughout this in-depth comparison.