Ricoh CX5 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Below, we are contrasting the Ricoh CX5 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Ricoh and Sigma. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The CX5 was unveiled 17 months before the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the CX5 grades versus the DP3 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX5 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 comes with exterior dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh CX5 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the CX5 vs the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the CX5 and DP3 Merrill is 92 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes simply by seeing a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX5 and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CX5 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show extra detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged CX5 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.