Ricoh CX1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below is a extensive comparison of the Ricoh CX1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Ricoh and Sigma. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was launched 4 years before the DP3 Merrill and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the CX1 scores versus the DP3 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX1 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX1 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX1 provides exterior dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh CX1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the CX1 and the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the CX1 and DP3 Merrill is 93 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX1 and DP3 Merrill.

As you can tell, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The CX1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will render greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older CX1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.