Samsung MV800 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

In this article, we are matching up the Samsung MV800 and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the MV800 (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is fairly comparable but the MV800 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The MV800 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung MV800 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the MV800 grades vs the DP3 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung MV800 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The entire galleries are provided at Samsung MV800 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung MV800 comes with external dimensions of 92mm x 56mm x 10mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.4") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has dimensions 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 Samsung MV800 and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the MV800 versus the DP3 Merrill.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MV800 and DP3 Merrill is 97 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by going through specifications. The graphic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the MV800 and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The MV800 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Samsung MV800 will show more detail due to its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older MV800 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.