Samsung NX1 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill: A Deep Dive into Two Unique APS-C Cameras

When diving into the APS-C segment, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer diversity on offer. Today, I’m putting the spotlight on two very different yet intriguing cameras: the Samsung NX1, Samsung’s flagship mirrorless introduced in late 2014, and the Sigma DP3 Merrill, a 2013 large sensor compact with a fixed 75mm lens. While they share the same sensor size class, they cater to very diverse photographic sensibilities - from versatile, high-speed pro-level shooting to contemplative, specialized image capture.

Drawing on my hands-on testing spanning thousands of cameras over 15 years, let’s unpack how these two APS-C systems measure up for photographers across major genres and workflows. We’ll break down technical prowess, real-world usability, and appeal to various photographer profiles. It’s a tale of speed, versatility, and technology versus concentrated image quality and simplicity.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

The Samsung NX1 and Sigma DP3 Merrill couldn’t be more different at face value. The NX1 takes a traditional DSLR-inspired mirrorless form with a bulky handgrip, numerous external controls, and rugged environmental sealing. In contrast, the DP3 Merrill is a compact, pocketable camera with a fixed “prime” lens and minimalist design ethos.

Holding the NX1 feels like picking up a serious, professional tool - sturdy magnesium alloy body, weather-sealed to resist dust and moisture, weighing in at 550 grams. It’s built to tolerate real-world demanding conditions. Controls are plentiful, thoughtfully laid out for one-handed operation, and the grip accommodates large hands well, sustaining long shooting sessions comfortably.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, by contrast, is remarkably compact at 330 grams and far more pocketable. It’s closer to a premium point-and-shoot than a DSLR or mirrorless. Constructed primarily from lightweight alloys and plastics, its build is solid but lacks weather sealing, making it less suited to rugged adventures but ideal for discreet, contemplative shooting.

In terms of ergonomics, the DP3 Merrill’s fixed lens and minimalist buttons mean it’s not built for speed or aggression - more for thoughtful composition. The NX1’s design facilitates quick mode switches, exposure compensation adjustments, and instant tactile feedback, reflecting its pro mirrorless ambitions.

Layout at a Glance: Controls and Interface

Diving deeper into physical design, the cameras again reveal their distinct priorities. Here’s a look from above:

The NX1 impresses with a comprehensive control scheme. A top LCD panel displays shooting info, while dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation are instantly accessible. A joystick aids focus point selection, and customizable buttons let users tailor the interface to their workflow. The inclusion of both an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a robust articulating touchscreen further boosts handling versatility.

The DP3 Merrill takes a minimalist approach to controls - no top LCD, no EVF, and straightforward knobs for aperture and shutter speed. The fixed lens negates zoom or focus rings, and the fixed rear 3” LCD lacks touch functionality, limiting operational fluidity.

While the Sigma camera’s simplicity has its charms, particularly if you want to focus entirely on composition without distraction, it’s clear the NX1 appeals to photographers seeking an immersive, responsive experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: Different Technologies, Different Images

Behind every great camera is a sensor that shapes its photographic soul. Both these cameras sport APS-C sensors, but with radically different architectures.

Samsung NX1: The NX1 employs a 28MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor design enhances light-gathering efficiency and sharpness, and the lack of AA filter boosts fine detail resolution, albeit potentially at the expense of moiré in certain subjects. Paired with Samsung’s DRIMe 5 image processor, the NX1’s sensor delivers strong dynamic range (about 13.2 stops per DxOMark), improved low-light performance with a native max ISO of 25600 (expandable to 51200), and excellent color depth (24.2-bit at base ISO).

Sigma DP3 Merrill: The DP3 Merrill sports the unique Foveon X3 sensor, which captures full color at every pixel location via three stacked layers instead of a Bayer array. This results in exceptional color accuracy and smooth gradients, especially in skin tones - a known Sigma hallmark. However, the sensor’s resolution is rated at 15MP, though some argue the effective resolution is visually comparable or superior to Bayer sensors due to no interpolation. Its maximum ISO caps at 6400, and dynamic range is more limited relative to modern CMOS sensors.

In terms of raw data fidelity, the DP3 Merrill excels for those who prize color rendition and sharpness at mid and low ISOs but falters as ISO climbs. The NX1, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility with ISO, better high ISO cleanliness, and superb dynamic range for challenging light.

The Viewfinder and LCD Experience

How you compose and review images is fundamental. These two cameras take contrasting approaches.

The NX1 offers a detailed 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1036k dots resolution and an outstanding 2360k dot electronic viewfinder. The EVF provides 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - ideal for precise framing under bright environments. The tilting touchscreen further aids high/low angle shooting and intuitive touch-to-focus, crucial for fast, dynamic workflows in sports or wildlife.

On the flip side, the DP3 Merrill’s fixed 3-inch LCD at 920k dots provides decent resolution but no touch capability or tilting. No EVF is present, requiring eye-level composition via the LCD, which can be challenging under bright sunlight. This limits versatility, especially for prolonged or fast-paced shooting.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Where the NX1 Dominates

Autofocus (AF) can make or break real-world use - especially for active genres like wildlife or sports.

The Samsung NX1 deploys a hybrid AF system with 209 focus points (153 cross-type), including phase-detection and contrast-detection. It offers reliable face detection and continuous tracking autofocus, supporting up to 15 frames per second burst shooting with full AF/AE tracking. During my extensive testing, this level of AF sophistication results in accurate, responsive focus locking on moving subjects under diverse conditions - including low light.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, meanwhile, uses a contrast-based AF system with no phase detection and reportedly slower focusing speeds. It offers only single-shot AF, with no continuous or tracking modes. Given its design for slower, deliberate shooting and lack of zoom, AF performance is adequate for portraiture or still subjects but unsuited for sports or wildlife.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Fixed Simplicity

Lens availability and compatibility are key.

The Samsung NX-mount system supports over 30 lenses ranging from ultra-wide zooms to super telephotos, prime fast lenses, and specialized glass like tilt-shifts and macro lenses. This variety positions the NX1 as a genuinely versatile tool for all photographic disciplines - from sweeping landscapes to fine-detail macro work.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill has a fixed 75mm f/2.8 lens with a 1.5x crop equivalent focal length. This translates roughly to a portrait-length lens optimized for detail and bokeh. While the lens has excellent optical quality, it confines photographers to this single focal length, limiting on-the-fly adaptation.

For photographers who value creative freedom through glass choices and focal lengths, the NX1 wins hands-down. The DP3 Merrill appeals more to those who want a no-fuss, high-quality lens with a classic portrait focal length.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Pro Features vs Modest Offerings

In the video and burst categories, the Samsung NX1 strides ahead confidently.

It shoots 4K UHD video internally at up to 30p, supports 4K Cinema DCI (4096x2160 at 24p), and encodes footage using efficient H.265 compression - a state-of-the-art codec at its launch. Full HD recording spans 60fps, ideal for slow-motion effects. It includes microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio control and offers time-lapse recording. Image stabilization must come from the lens, as the body lacks IBIS.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill sticks to very basic video - VGA 640x480 Motion JPEG footage, barely serviceable for casual clips. No stabilization, external mics, or advanced video features are present.

Regarding continuous shooting, the NX1 captures up to 15fps with AF and exposure tracking - a boon for sports and wildlife photographers shooting decisive moments. The DP3 Merrill maxes out at roughly 4fps without tracking, reflecting its contemplative image-making ethos.

Battery Life and Storage: Long Haul vs Limited Zone

Shooters venturing outdoors or on extended trips will appreciate the NX1’s strong battery.

Rated for approximately 500 shots per charge with the BP1900 lithium-ion battery, the NX1 supports long days of shooting. It stores images on SD cards supporting the UHS-I/II bus - fast for large 4K files. Single card slot is a limitation compared to some modern pro cameras, but the speed suffices.

The DP3 Merrill’s battery life details are scarce, but compact form factor implies shorter endurance, and no specified battery model may concern photographers who need consistent power on the go. Storage is via a single SD card slot as well.

Wireless Connectivity and Modern Features

Here the Samsung NX1 includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling quick image transfer to phones, tablets, or laptops. It also supports USB 3.0 for fast wired transfers, and HDMI out for monitoring or external recording.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill lacks any wireless connectivity or modern interfaces. Only USB 2.0 is available - a significant bottleneck for managing large RAW files.

Image Samples: How Do Photos Compare?

Let’s look at real-world results from both cameras under similar conditions:

Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back Sigma DP3 Merrill front Sigma DP3 Merrill screen back

Samsung NX1: Images boast outstanding sharpness with fine detail resolution, rich colors, and wide dynamic range evident in outdoor shots. Portraits show pleasing skin tones with subtle bokeh from fast NX lenses. Landscapes retain detail across shadows and highlights, confirming sensor prowess.

Sigma DP3 Merrill: Photos exhibit remarkable color fidelity and smooth tonal gradation, particularly in skin rendering and subtle textures. Sharpness is high with the fixed 75mm lens, creating images with an “organic” quality unique to the Foveon sensor. However, dynamic range can be restrictive in high contrast scenes, and low light images show more noise.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

The nuanced differences become more evident when we examine these cameras through the lens of photography types:

• Portraits: DP3 Merrill’s lens and sensor excel for skin color accuracy and creamy out-of-focus backgrounds, ideal for studio or outdoor portraits with controlled lighting. NX1 delivers equally good bokeh with appropriate lenses but scores higher on AF eye detection and focusing speed.

• Landscape: NX1’s dynamic range, weather sealing, and lens options create a clear advantage for demanding landscapes requiring detail and durability. DP3 Merrill yields excellent color but is hampered by limited ISO range and no weather sealing.

• Wildlife: NX1’s rapid burst rate, accurate tracking AF, and telephoto lenses make it far better suited. DP3 Merrill’s slow AF and fixed 75mm lens limit wildlife opportunities.

• Sports: NX1 wins decisively with 15fps shooting and predictive AF tracking, crucial for fast action.

• Street: DP3 Merrill’s compactness and quiet operation provide an edge for low-profile street shooters, though no EVF may hinder outdoor brightness. NX1 is bulkier but offers superior image quality and performance if size is not critical.

• Macro: NX1’s extensive lens ecosystem and focus bracketing offer better macro possibilities.

• Night/Astro: NX1’s superior high ISO capabilities and long exposure options make it the preferred tool at night.

• Video: NX1 is a clear winner with 4K recording and advanced audio support.

• Travel: DP3 Merrill shines with portability, though NX1 balances size with versatility.

• Professional: NX1’s rugged build, extensive controls, and image quality suit professional workflows.

Final Performance Scores and Value

Bringing all aspects together, here are the overall and specific performance ratings:

The Samsung NX1 scores highly as a well-balanced, full-featured professional mirrorless solution, particularly for action, video, and demanding image quality tasks.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill holds a niche position for photographers valuing exceptional color and CANON-style shooting at a fixed focal length - appealing to heritage enthusiasts and portrait purists.

Who Should Buy Each Camera?

Choose the Samsung NX1 if:

• You need a versatile, professional-grade APS-C mirrorless system.
• Your photography spans multiple genres including sports, wildlife, landscape, and video.
• Fast autofocus, high burst rates, and 4K video are priorities.
• You want weather sealing and rugged build for fieldwork.
• You prefer interchangeable lenses with access to a decent ecosystem.
• Battery life and wireless connectivity matter for your workflow.

Choose the Sigma DP3 Merrill if:

• You desire exquisite color accuracy and image fidelity above all else.
• You primarily shoot portraits or studio work with controlled lighting.
• Portability and simplicity trump speed and versatility.
• You appreciate the unique qualities of the Foveon sensor.
• Video and burst performance are not concerns.
• You want a fixed lens camera that excels in detail and tonality.

Conclusion: Two Cameras, Two Philosophies

The Samsung NX1 and Sigma DP3 Merrill represent opposing philosophies in APS-C camera design. The NX1 is a powerhouse mirrorless system designed for speed, versatility, and rugged professional use. In contrast, the DP3 Merrill offers a slower, deeper, color-pure image-making experience centered around a prime lens and stripped-down controls.

Both cameras reward their respective audiences richly. To borrow from my experience: the NX1 is a "Swiss Army knife" of APS-C photography, adaptable and relentless in demanding environments, while the DP3 Merrill is a "fine brush" for painters - specialized, deliberate, and exquisite.

If forced to pick one for general use, I lean heavily toward the NX1 for its comprehensive capabilities and future-proofing. Yet for lovers of deep color nuance and portrait artistry, the DP3 Merrill stands as a compelling, distinct choice even today.

Whichever you prioritize, both cameras offer unique entry points to APS-C imaging mastery.

Summary Chart at a Glance

By carefully considering your photography style, subject preference, and workflow needs, you can confidently select the camera that best fits your ambitions. Both the Samsung NX1 and Sigma DP3 Merrill remain worthy contenders worthy of exploration.

If you have questions on how either performs in specific scenarios - feel free to ask. After all, choosing a camera is as much about personal connection as technical specs. Happy shooting!