Panasonic FH5 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic FH5 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the FH5 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The FH5 was introduced 24 months before the DP3 Merrill which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the FH5 matches up against the DP3 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 has got physical dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH5 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the FH5 compared to the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and DP3 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to see the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH5 and DP3 Merrill.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH5 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH5 will produce extra detail using its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older FH5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.