Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony a3500

In this article, we will be matching up the Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony a3500, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Sigma and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the DP3 Merrill (15MP) and a3500 (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The DP3 Merrill was introduced 14 months earlier than the a3500 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the DP3 Merrill grades vs the a3500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sigma DP3 Merrill & Sony Alpha a3500. The whole galleries are provided at Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery & Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Sigma DP3 Merrill enjoys physical measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) while the Sony a3500 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Compare the Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony a3500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the DP3 Merrill and the a3500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the DP3 Merrill and a3500 is 83 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the DP3 Merrill and a3500.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can count on the Sony a3500 to provide you with extra detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged DP3 Merrill will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.