Samsung TL500 vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

On this page, we are evaluating the Samsung TL500 and Sigma DP3 Merrill, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Samsung and Sigma. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the TL500 (10MP) and DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the TL500 (1/1.7") and DP3 Merrill (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The TL500 was released 3 years prior to the DP3 Merrill and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung TL500 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the TL500 grades versus the DP3 Merrill for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung TL500 & Sigma DP3 Merrill. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung TL500 Gallery & Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Samsung TL500 has exterior measurements of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Sigma DP3 Merrill has specifications of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Examine the Samsung TL500 and Sigma DP3 Merrill in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the TL500 vs the DP3 Merrill.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TL500 and DP3 Merrill is 88 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing just by checking out specifications. The graphic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TL500 and DP3 Merrill.

To sum up, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TL500 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older TL500 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.