Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony W290

Its time to look more in depth at the Sigma DP3 Merrill versus Sony W290, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Sigma and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the DP3 Merrill (15MP) and W290 (12MP) and the DP3 Merrill (APS-C) and W290 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The DP3 Merrill was revealed 3 years later than the W290 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the DP3 Merrill matches up versus the W290 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The full galleries are viewable at Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Sigma DP3 Merrill comes with exterior dimensions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) while the Sony W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Sigma DP3 Merrill versus Sony W290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the DP3 Merrill versus the W290.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the DP3 Merrill and W290 is 83 and 94 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the DP3 Merrill and W290.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The DP3 Merrill with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sigma DP3 Merrill will show greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more recent DP3 Merrill is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.