Samsung ST30 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Following is a extended assessment of the Samsung ST30 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sigma. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the ST30 (10MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the ST30 (1/3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The ST30 was unveiled 24 months prior to the DP3 Merrill making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ST30 grades vs the DP3 Merrill in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung ST30 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The full galleries are provided at Samsung ST30 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Samsung ST30 has external measurements of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP3 Merrill has dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Samsung ST30 versus Sigma DP3 Merrill in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ST30 against the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ST30 and DP3 Merrill is 98 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The picture underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ST30 and DP3 Merrill.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ST30 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will offer you greater detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged ST30 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.