Olympus E-P1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-P1 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The E-P1 was released 4 years prior to the DP3 Merrill which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-P1 matches up versus the DP3 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 against the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and DP3 Merrill is 86 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over specifications. The picture underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.