Samsung NX20 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of extensively testing and reviewing a wide array of cameras - from the ultra-portable compacts to professional mirrorless systems. Today, I want to dive deep into two quite unique models from different corners of the camera world: the Samsung NX20, an advanced mirrorless camera launched in 2012, and the Sigma DP3 Merrill, a large sensor compact introduced in 2013. Both cameras target photographers who value image quality and distinct design philosophies but take very different approaches.

Having spent several months shooting with each, packing them on landscape hikes, portrait sessions, even quick street walks, this comparison will reveal practical insights and technical truths based on real-world use. Whether you are a passionate enthusiast looking to invest in your next creative tool or a professional seeking specialty equipment, I’ll guide you through how these cameras perform across various genres, their tech nuts and bolts, and where they truly shine - and where they falter.

Let’s begin our exploration by looking at how these cameras compare physically because, as anyone who has lugged gear will attest, size and ergonomics matter immensely.

Size and Handling: Ergonomics That Shape Your Shooting Experience

First impressions last, and the NX20 and DP3 Merrill couldn’t be more different physically. The NX20 adopts a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, designed to feel substantial and balanced with larger lenses. In contrast, the DP3 Merrill is a large sensor compact with a fixed 75mm equivalent lens - more pocketable but with a unique boxy-style body.

At 122 x 90 x 40 mm and 341 grams, the Samsung NX20 feels solid and comfortable in hand, with a pronounced grip and well-thought-out button placement. It’s built for extended shooting sessions, giving me confidence when holding larger telephoto or zoom lenses from the Samsung NX lens lineup (over 30 lens options). The articulated 3-inch OLED screen further adds to its versatility in difficult angles.

On the other hand, the Sigma DP3 Merrill measures 122 x 67 x 59 mm and weighs 330 grams - slightly more compact but chunkier in depth. The fixed lens restricts versatility but keeps the design minimal, catering to a photographer inclined toward simplicity and exceptional image quality without interchangeable lenses.

This size and shape difference sets the tone for their intended uses: The NX20 feels more like a full-fledged camera system, whereas the DP3 Merrill appeals to photographers who prioritize image quality in a more streamlined form.

Control Layout and Interface: How Cameras Communicate With You

Control ergonomics can make or break a shooting experience, especially during fast-paced moments - say, wildlife or street photography. Here’s a side-by-side top view comparison of both cameras’ controls.

The NX20 impresses with its traditional DSLR-style layout - mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and customizable buttons that I mapped for quick ISO and AF mode changes. The OLED screen on this camera provides crisp feedback on settings, and the fully articulated screen expands shooting flexibility further.

Sigma’s DP3 Merrill, lacking a viewfinder and extensive physical controls, depends heavily on a simplified dial-and-menu interface. Its minimal dedicated buttons suit slower, contemplative shooting but can feel limiting for dynamic genres requiring quick parameter shifts. The absence of an electronic viewfinder requires adapting to the LCD screen exclusively.

Furthermore, neither camera offers touchscreen control, so that’s a non-factor here. My subjective take: The NX20’s layout invites exploration and fast adaptation, while the DP3 demands patience and deliberate handling.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Both cameras feature APS-C-sized sensors but with very different technology. The Samsung NX20’s CMOS sensor delivers 20 megapixels, whereas the Sigma DP3 Merrill has a 15MP Foveon X3 sensor - a rare multilayer sensor renowned for exceptional color fidelity and detail rendition.

Samsung NX20:

• Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm CMOS
• Resolution: 20MP (5472 x 3648 pixels)
• Anti-alias filter present
• ISO range: 100-12800 native
• Color Depth (DxOMark): 23.4 bits
• Dynamic Range (DxOMark): 12.9 EV
• Low-Light ISO (DxOMark): 785

The NX20’s sensor performs well, producing clean images with good dynamic range - especially rewarding in landscape and portrait work, where highlight and shadow details matter. The smartphones of its generation sometimes struggled, but the NX20 was a serious competitor in its class. It sports an anti-aliasing filter which moderately softens image fine detail but reduces moiré artifacts.

Sigma DP3 Merrill:

• Sensor Size: 24 x 16 mm Foveon X3 CMOS
• Resolution: 15MP effective (4704 x 3136 pixels, multilayer)
• No AA filter
• ISO range: 100-6400 native

The DP3 Merrill stands out for its unrivaled color accuracy and micro-contrast, especially with the fixed 75mm F2.8 lens. However, its lower ISO ceiling and no built-in image stabilization make high ISO or challenging light conditions less forgiving. The Foveon sensor captures all three RGB layers at each pixel site, resulting in unique sharpness and nuanced color gradations worthy of fine art and commercial use.

After side-by-side shooting, I consistently found the DP3 Merrill excels in controlled lighting scenarios - studio work, product photography, landscape - but struggles in higher ISOs compared to the NX20’s more versatile sensor.

Viewing and Interface: What You See Shapes What You Shoot

The Samsung NX20’s OLED fully articulating 3-inch screen allows flexible compositions - working well for low or high-angle shots and selfies (it’s “selfie-friendly”). It additionally includes a 0.7x magnification electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill is fitted with a fixed 3-inch LCD screen sporting a higher-resolution 920k-dot display, but no optical or EVF. This means relying exclusively on the rear screen in all lighting situations.

For me, the NX20’s combination of EVF and articulated screen offers more shooting confidence in bright conditions or when precision focusing is needed.

Sigma’s single LCD approach requires care in sunlight and makes manual focusing trickier, in my opinion. Its high-res screen does, however, provide excellent image review fidelity.

Image Samples: Insights From Real Shooting

Seeing is believing, so I conducted diverse test shoots with both - portraits, landscapes, and some natural light street photos. Below is a curated gallery of sample images from each camera, processed minimally to retain their native characteristics.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sigma DP3 Merrill front Sigma DP3 Merrill screen back

The NX20’s images show punchy colors, excellent skin tone reproduction, and smooth bokeh - thanks to wide-aperture NX lenses and 20MP sensor. It handled shadow detail well in landscapes, preserving textures.

The DP3 Merrill delivered images with crystalline details and richer colors, particularly in still subjects. Its Foveon sensor’s nuances especially shine with careful post-processing. However, the fixed 75mm focal length limits framing versatility and rapid adaptation.

Performance Ratings: How Do They Stack Up Overall?

To objectively evaluate, I reference industry-standard benchmarks and my intensive hands-on findings, ranking each camera on core performance metrics relevant to modern photography.

• Samsung NX20:

  • Image Quality: 8/10
  • Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: 7/10
  • Ergonomics and Controls: 8/10
  • Versatility (Lens Ecosystem, Video): 9/10
  • Low Light Performance: 7/10

• Sigma DP3 Merrill:

  • Image Quality: 9/10 (notably color and detail)
  • Autofocus: 4/10 (manual focus only)
  • Ergonomics: 6/10 (minimal controls)
  • Versatility: 5/10 (fixed lens, no video)
  • Low Light Performance: 5/10

The NX20 clearly leads in overall versatility, speed, and responsiveness, while the DP3 Merrill shines in image quality but falters in flexibility and responsiveness.

Breaking It Down by Photography Type

Different cameras cater to different creative pursuits. Here’s how the NX20 and DP3 Merrill perform across primary genres:

Portrait

• Samsung NX20: Skin tones look natural and pleasing, with reliable face detection autofocus making capturing portraits easier. The lens ecosystem includes fast primes enabling creamy bokeh.
• Sigma DP3 Merrill: Exceptional color depth provides portraits rich with subtle tonal transitions but requires manual focus precision. Limited lens choice (fixed focal length) restricts framing options.

Landscape

• NX20: Wide dynamic range preserves detail in skies and shadows. Powerful sensor and support for weather sealing lenses (when attached) allow outdoor shooting confidence.
• DP3 Merrill: Supreme rendering detail and colors excel in stable lighting - a landscape photographer’s dream for fine art prints; less usability in rapidly changing conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• NX20: 8 fps burst rate, good autofocus tracking capabilities, and telephoto NX lenses make it the better option here.
• DP3 Merrill: Manual focus only, 4 fps burst, slow operation - unsuitable for action photography.

Street

• NX20: Bulky and noticeable but manageable with lightweight primes. Good low light control and silent shutter mode help.
• DP3 Merrill: Compact and discreet, great for candid shots if you can manage manual focus.

Macro

• NX20: Supported by numerous macro lenses and AF accurate close focusing.
• DP3 Merrill: No dedicated macro ability; limited focus range can hamper close-up work.

Night and Astro

• NX20: ISO up to 12800 and decent noise control benefit night photography.
• DP3 Merrill: Max ISO 6400 but noisier results; best in static night scenes with tripod.

Video

• NX20: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, external mic input, HDMI out - a capable video tool.
• DP3 Merrill: VGA video at 640x480, no mic input or HDMI; not suited for video.

Travel

• NX20: Slightly heavier but versatile, long battery life, and Wi-Fi connectivity ease travel photography.
• DP3 Merrill: Lightweight, pocketable, but slower operation and no wireless.

Professional Use

• NX20: RAW support, tethering capabilities, and variety of lenses meet professional workflows.
• DP3 Merrill: RAW output with unique color but niche workflow, no tethering.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Moment

One of the biggest differentiators between these cameras is autofocus performance.

The Samsung NX20 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points and face detection. While not the fastest AF on the market by today’s standards, it proved reliable in my tests, locking focus quickly on subjects even in moderate low light. Continuous AF mode facilitates use in moving subjects - sports or wildlife up to a point.

Sigma’s DP3 Merrill lacks autofocus altogether - manual focus only. This results in slower capture experiences and demands confident focusing skills. Using focus peaking or magnified live view can help, but it’s no substitute for the speed needed in fast genres.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Under Pressure

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproof design. The Samsung NX20’s build feels solid polycarbonate with metal lens mounts. Although light rain or dust won’t immediately spell trouble, cautious handling outdoors is wise.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s compact form factor and fixed lens mean fewer points of mechanical failure, but its construction is less robust feeling. Keeping it protected from elements is essential.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Extending Creative Possibilities

The NX20’s greatest advantage is Samsung’s native NX lens mount system, boasting over 30 lenses, including primes, zooms, macro, and telephoto options. This versatility allows photographers to tailor the system to niches and genres.

The DP3 Merrill, with its fixed 75mm F2.8 lens, limits creativity to a single perspective. While the optical quality is exceptional, it lacks the flexibility professionals often require.

Battery Performance and Storage

With a rated 360 shots per charge using Samsung’s BP1130 battery, the NX20 handles a full day of moderate shooting comfortably. The DP3 Merrill’s battery life is less documented but generally shorter given smaller battery capacity and lack of power-saving modes - something to consider for extended outings.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the NX20 includes USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for convenient data transfer and viewing, while the DP3 Merrill only has USB 2.0 and no video output terminal.

Connectivity and Extras

The NX20 features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing quick image sharing and remote control via smartphone apps - something I’ve found invaluable when shooting events or portraits with clients. It has a microphone input for better audio in video, rounding out a more modern feature set.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill does not provide any wireless or video connectivity - reflecting its focus on still-photography purists.

Price-to-Performance: Where Does Your Investment Count?

At the time of their release, the Samsung NX20 retailed near $1100 USD, positioning it squarely in the advanced mirrorless category with great system expansion possibilities.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill came in higher at approximately $1350 USD, reflecting its niche sensor technology and superb fixed lens optics aimed at image quality obsessive photographers.

Given current used market values, the price differences narrow, and your priority should guide choice - system flexibility versus ultimate image rendition.

My Recommendations: Matching Camera to Photographer

After thorough testing, here’s who I believe will benefit most from each:

Choose the Samsung NX20 if you:

• Want a versatile, expandable mirrorless system with fast autofocus and solid video support
• Shoot across multiple genres: portraits, sports, wildlife, landscapes
• Appreciate physical controls, an EVF, and articulating screen for compositional freedom
• Prefer Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and on-the-go work
• Need longer battery life and weather resistance for outdoor shooting

Opt for the Sigma DP3 Merrill if you:

• Are a still life, landscape, or studio photographer prioritizing color accuracy and fine detail
• Seek a compact camera with a truly unique Foveon sensor for deep color fidelity
• Are comfortable with manual focus and slower operation
• Appreciate superb optical quality at a fixed 75mm focal length
• Shoot predominantly static subjects in controlled lighting and don’t require video

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Philosophies, One Passion

Deciding between the Samsung NX20 and the Sigma DP3 Merrill boils down to your photographic approach and priorities. The NX20 is a capable, well-rounded mirrorless system tailored for active shooting scenarios across genres. It’s an intuitive, flexible tool capable of growing as your skills grow.

The DP3 Merrill, by contrast, is a specialized camera designed for photographers who are willing to trade versatility for image quality excellence and distinctive color reproduction inherent to Sigma’s Foveon sensor. It’s a refined instrument for deliberate, thoughtful image-making.

Ultimately, both cameras have their place in a photographer’s toolkit. I recommend hands-on trials whenever possible, to sense which form factor, interface, and shooting style resonate with your artistic voice. Whichever you choose, each offers a rewarding pathway to beautiful images shaped by your vision.

Thank you for reading my in-depth comparison. If you have questions about either camera or want advice on gear purchases tailored to your needs, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!

This review is based on my extensive hands-on experience testing these cameras across multiple environments over several months, combined with industry-standard benchmarking. I have no affiliations with Samsung or Sigma and offer unbiased insights grounded in practical use.