Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony QX10

Here, we will be looking at the Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony QX10, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Sigma and Sony. The sensor resolution of the DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the QX10 (18MP) is pretty similar but the DP3 Merrill (APS-C) and QX10 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The DP3 Merrill was revealed 7 months prior to the QX10 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony QX10 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the DP3 Merrill grades against the QX10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sigma DP3 Merrill & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10. The full galleries are provided at Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery & Sony QX10 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sigma DP3 Merrill offers physical dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) while the Sony QX10 has dimensions of 62mm x 62mm x 33mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 105 grams (0.23 lbs).

Check the Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony QX10 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the DP3 Merrill and the QX10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the DP3 Merrill and QX10 is 83 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading specs. The graphic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the DP3 Merrill and QX10.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The DP3 Merrill with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony QX10 will deliver more detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older DP3 Merrill is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.