Samsung ST150F vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Samsung ST150F and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sigma. The image resolution of the ST150F (16MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is fairly similar but the ST150F (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The ST150F was brought out about the same time to the DP3 Merrill which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST150F being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the ST150F scores against the DP3 Merrill in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung ST150F and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung ST150F Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung ST150F comes with outside dimensions of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 114 grams (0.25 lbs) while the Sigma DP3 Merrill has proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Samsung ST150F and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the ST150F and the DP3 Merrill.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ST150F and DP3 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The image here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST150F and DP3 Merrill.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ST150F because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Samsung ST150F will offer you more detail having its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively.