Leica D-Lux Typ 109 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a detailed comparison of the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Leica and Sigma. The image resolution of the D-Lux Typ 109 (13MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is fairly close but the D-Lux Typ 109 (Four Thirds) and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The D-Lux Typ 109 was unveiled 21 months later than the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the D-Lux Typ 109 matches up vs the DP3 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica D-Lux Typ 109 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Leica D-Lux Typ 109 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica D-Lux Typ 109 features physical dimensions of 118mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 2.2") along with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has sizing 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 Leica D-Lux Typ 109 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the D-Lux Typ 109 and the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D-Lux Typ 109 and DP3 Merrill is 82 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the D-Lux Typ 109 and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The D-Lux Typ 109 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will render extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher D-Lux Typ 109 provides an advantage in sensor technology.