Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Below is a detailed analysis of the Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the WG-3 GPS (16MP) and the DP1 Merrill (15MP) is very well matched but the WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") and DP1 Merrill (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The WG-3 GPS was brought out 18 months later than the DP1 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-3 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the WG-3 GPS matches up vs the DP1 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sigma DP1 Merrill. The entire galleries are available at Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 GPS comes with outer dimensions of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 64mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.5") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sigma DP1 Merrill in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the WG-3 GPS against the DP1 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the WG-3 GPS and DP1 Merrill is 90 and 82 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 GPS and DP1 Merrill.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 GPS because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax WG-3 GPS will give you extra detail having its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer WG-3 GPS provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.