Panasonic FS15 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic FS15 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. The image resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is very comparable but the FS15 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FS15 was launched 5 years earlier than the DP3 Merrill and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FS15 grades versus the DP3 Merrill with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS15 has exterior measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS15 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FS15 compared to the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FS15 and DP3 Merrill is 95 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The photograph underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FS15 and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS15 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older FS15 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.