Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony S2100

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Sigma DP3 Merrill versus Sony S2100, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Sigma and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the DP3 Merrill (15MP) and S2100 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (APS-C) and S2100 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The DP3 Merrill was unveiled 3 years after the S2100 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S2100 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the DP3 Merrill scores against the S2100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100. The full galleries are available at Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery and Sony S2100 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Sigma DP3 Merrill offers outside measurements 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 S2100 has proportions of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Sigma DP3 Merrill versus Sony S2100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the DP3 Merrill vs the S2100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the DP3 Merrill and S2100 is 83 and 93 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the DP3 Merrill and S2100.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The DP3 Merrill using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will offer greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The younger DP3 Merrill is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.