Ricoh WG-4 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Ricoh WG-4 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Ricoh and Sigma. The image resolution of the WG-4 (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively close but the WG-4 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-4 was revealed 14 months later than the DP3 Merrill which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the WG-4 matches up versus the DP3 Merrill in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-4 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh WG-4 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Ricoh WG-4 enjoys outside measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh WG-4 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the WG-4 and the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the WG-4 and DP3 Merrill is 90 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-4 and DP3 Merrill.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WG-4 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Ricoh WG-4 will result in more detail because of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern WG-4 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.