Pentax WG-1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below is a extensive analysis of the Pentax WG-1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sigma. The resolution of the WG-1 (14MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the WG-1 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The WG-1 was announced 23 months earlier than the DP3 Merrill which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief view of how the WG-1 scores against the DP3 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio WG-1 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-1 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax WG-1 has outside measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 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 out the Pentax WG-1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the WG-1 versus the DP3 Merrill.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-1 and DP3 Merrill is 93 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-1 and DP3 Merrill.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-1 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will result in greater detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older WG-1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.