Samsung NX mini vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here, we are evaluating the Samsung NX mini and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the NX mini (20.5MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the NX mini (1") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The NX mini was launched 15 months later than the DP3 Merrill making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung NX mini being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the NX mini matches up versus the DP3 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung NX mini and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung NX mini Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Samsung NX mini enjoys external measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Samsung NX mini and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the NX mini vs the DP3 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the NX mini and DP3 Merrill is 93 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the NX mini and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NX mini due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Samsung NX mini will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 5.5 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent NX mini will have an edge in sensor tech.