Panasonic 3D1 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sigma. The resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the 3D1 (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The 3D1 was unveiled 3 months before the DP1 Merrill which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the 3D1 grades against the DP1 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic 3D1 has outside measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sigma DP1 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the 3D1 and the DP1 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and DP1 Merrill is 93 and 82 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions just by viewing specifications. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 3D1 and DP1 Merrill.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 3D1 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sigma DP1 Merrill will provide you with extra detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively.