Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here is a extensive assessment of the Pentax XG-1 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was brought out 19 months later than the DP3 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the XG-1 matches up against the DP3 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax XG-1 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 has exterior dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Pentax XG-1 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the XG-1 and the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and DP3 Merrill is 66 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by researching specifications. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax XG-1 will result in greater detail having its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer XG-1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.