Samsung SL720 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Here, we will be comparing the Samsung SL720 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Samsung and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SL720 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the SL720 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SL720 was announced 4 years before the DP3 Merrill and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Samsung SL720 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the SL720 grades versus the DP3 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL720 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung SL720 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Samsung SL720 features outer measurements of 92mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Samsung SL720 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SL720 and the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL720 and DP3 Merrill is 94 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SL720 and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SL720 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show more detail with its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SL720 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.