Olympus TG-830 iHS vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the TG-830 iHS (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively well matched but the TG-830 iHS (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-830 iHS was announced at a similar time to the DP3 Merrill and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-830 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the TG-830 iHS matches up versus the DP3 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-830 iHS Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-830 iHS has got outer measurements of 109mm x 67mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while 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).

Compare the Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-830 iHS and the DP3 Merrill.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the TG-830 iHS and DP3 Merrill is 91 and 83 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-830 iHS and DP3 Merrill.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-830 iHS having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus TG-830 iHS will resolve extra detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively.