Pentax X70 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax X70 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the X70 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is pretty comparable but the X70 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X70 was brought out 4 years before the DP3 Merrill and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise view of how the X70 matches up against the DP3 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X70 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X70 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax X70 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X70 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view scale comparison of the X70 and the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the X70 and DP3 Merrill is 71 and 83 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing just by seeing specs. The graphic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the X70 and DP3 Merrill.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X70 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will produce extra detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older X70 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.