Olympus TG-610 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus TG-610 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sigma. The resolution of the TG-610 (14MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is fairly comparable but the TG-610 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The TG-610 was announced 24 months before the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-610 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the TG-610 grades versus the DP3 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-610 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-610 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus TG-610 has got outside measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 1.0") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-610 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the TG-610 against the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-610 and DP3 Merrill is 93 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The graphic below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-610 and DP3 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-610 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show more detail with its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older TG-610 will be behind in sensor tech.