Olympus VR-320 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus VR-320 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sigma. The image resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is very close but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The VR-320 was launched 17 months earlier than the DP3 Merrill making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the VR-320 scores vs the DP3 Merrill when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-320 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VR-320 enjoys exterior measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VR-320 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the VR-320 versus the DP3 Merrill.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VR-320 and DP3 Merrill is 94 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions just by viewing a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VR-320 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged VR-320 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.