Samsung ST80 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

Following is a thorough assessment of the Samsung ST80 and Sigma DP3 Merrill, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Samsung and Sigma. The resolution of the ST80 (14MP) and the DP3 Merrill (15MP) is relatively comparable but the ST80 (1/2.3") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ST80 was released 4 years prior to the DP3 Merrill which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung ST80 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ST80 grades against the DP3 Merrill with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung ST80 and Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are available at Samsung ST80 Gallery and Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Samsung ST80 comes with physical measurements of 92mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

See the Samsung ST80 and Sigma DP3 Merrill in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the ST80 against the DP3 Merrill.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ST80 and DP3 Merrill is 96 and 83 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ST80 and DP3 Merrill.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ST80 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show more detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged ST80 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.