Canon SX220 HS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Canon SX220 HS and Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Sigma. The resolution of the SX220 HS (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively well matched but the SX220 HS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The SX220 HS was brought out 23 months prior to the DP3 Merrill which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX220 HS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the SX220 HS grades vs the DP3 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon SX220 HS & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX220 HS Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX220 HS has physical dimensions of 106mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX220 HS and Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX220 HS compared to the DP3 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX220 HS and DP3 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The visual here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX220 HS and DP3 Merrill.

As you can see, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX220 HS because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will resolve more detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older SX220 HS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.