Samsung SL820 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Samsung SL820 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SL820 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the SL820 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SL820 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the DP3 Merrill which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung SL820 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SL820 grades versus the DP3 Merrill when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL820 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are available at Samsung SL820 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Samsung SL820 enjoys external dimensions of 95mm x 59mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has sizing of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Samsung SL820 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SL820 and the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SL820 and DP3 Merrill is 94 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by checking out specifications. The picture below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SL820 and DP3 Merrill.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SL820 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will produce more detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SL820 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.