Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The TG-820 iHS was introduced 11 months before the DP3 Merrill which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the TG-820 iHS grades vs the DP3 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-820 iHS & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-820 iHS offers exterior dimensions of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sigma DP3 Merrill in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the TG-820 iHS vs the DP3 Merrill.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-820 iHS and DP3 Merrill is 92 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The visual below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-820 iHS and DP3 Merrill.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The TG-820 iHS having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show greater detail using its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The older TG-820 iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.