Leica Digilux 3 vs Sigma SD1 Merrill

Here, we will be comparing the Leica Digilux 3 and Sigma SD1 Merrill, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Leica and Sigma. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and SD1 Merrill (15MP) and the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and SD1 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The Digilux 3 was revealed 6 years before the SD1 Merrill which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the Digilux 3 matches up against the SD1 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Leica Digilux 3 & Sigma SD1 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Leica Digilux 3 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica Digilux 3 offers outer dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 Merrill has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 790 grams (1.74 lbs).

See the Leica Digilux 3 and Sigma SD1 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the Digilux 3 against the SD1 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Digilux 3 and SD1 Merrill is 65 and 57 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The image underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Digilux 3 and SD1 Merrill.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The Digilux 3 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Sigma SD1 Merrill will give extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged Digilux 3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.