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Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57

Portability
83
Imaging
56
Features
33
Overall
46
Sigma DP3 Merrill front
 
Sony SLT-A57 front
Portability
64
Imaging
57
Features
85
Overall
68

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Key Specs

Sigma DP3 Merrill
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 75mm (F2.8) lens
  • 330g - 122 x 67 x 59mm
  • Introduced January 2013
  • Old Model is Sigma DP2 Merrill
Sony A57
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 16000 (Bump to 25600)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 618g - 132 x 98 x 81mm
  • Introduced September 2012
  • Previous Model is Sony A55
  • Replacement is Sony A58
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Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Overview

Lets look closer at the Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony A57, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Sigma and Sony. The sensor resolution of the DP3 Merrill (15MP) and the A57 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The DP3 Merrill was launched 4 months after the A57 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sigma DP3 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the DP3 Merrill matches up versus the A57 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Sigma DP3 Merrill over the Sony A57

 DP3 Merrill A57 

Reasons to pick Sony A57 over the Sigma DP3 Merrill

 A57 DP3 Merrill 
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen resolution921k920kClearer screen (+1k dot)
Selfie screen Take selfies

Common features in the Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony A57

 DP3 Merrill A57 
IntroducedJanuary 2013September 2012Same age
Manually focus Dial accurate focusing
Screen dimensions3"3"Equal screen sizing
Touch screen Neither features Touch screen

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Physical Comparison

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sigma DP3 Merrill enjoys exterior measurements 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 A57 has proportions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Compare the Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony A57 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the DP3 Merrill against the A57.

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the DP3 Merrill and A57 is 83 and 64 respectively.

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 top view buttons comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The pic underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the DP3 Merrill and A57.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Sony A57 to show extra detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively.

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 sensor size comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Screen and ViewFinder

Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill Portrait photography advice
Sony A57 Portrait photography advice
73
has manual focus
good MP (15MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
74
has manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
offers face detect focusing
exports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill as a Street photography camera
Sony A57 as a Street photography camera
65
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
75
screen can move to multiple angles
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
exports RAW files
Photography Glossary

Sports Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill as a Sports photography camera
Sony A57 as a Sports photography camera
44
good MP (15 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
can't change focal length (75mm)
very slow continuous shooting (4.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
no phase detect autofocus
78
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
offers tracking focus
supports phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill Travel photography advice
Sony A57 Travel photography advice
54
good MP (15MP)
lack of Timelapse mode
display isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
67
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
has built in flash
screen is selfie friendly
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Landscape Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill Landscape photography highlights
Sony A57 Landscape photography highlights
55
has manual focus
good sized screen (3 inch)
good MP (15MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (75mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
does not have image stabilization
lack of Timelapse mode
72
has manual focus
swap lenses (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount)
screen size is decent (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
exports RAW files
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Sigma DP3 Merrill Vlogging highlights
Sony A57 Vlogging highlights
22
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
low video resolution (640 x 480 pixels)
lack of external microphone socket
77
screen is selfie friendly
image stabilization (Sensor based)
offers face detect focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
comes with mic jack
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Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony A57 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sigma DP3 Merrill and Sony A57
 Sigma DP3 MerrillSony SLT-A57
General Information
Brand Name Sigma Sony
Model Sigma DP3 Merrill Sony SLT-A57
Type Large Sensor Compact Entry-Level DSLR
Introduced 2013-01-08 2012-09-13
Body design Large Sensor Compact Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Dual TRUE II engine -
Sensor type CMOS (Foveon X3) CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 24 x 16mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 384.0mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 15 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio - 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4704 x 3136 4912 x 3264
Maximum native ISO 6400 16000
Maximum boosted ISO - 25600
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points - 15
Cross focus points - 3
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens Sony/Minolta Alpha
Lens focal range 75mm (1x) -
Maximum aperture f/2.8 -
Total lenses - 143
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal 3" 3"
Screen resolution 920k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology - Xtra Fine TFT drive with TruBlack technology
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,440k dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.7x
Features
Lowest shutter speed - 30 seconds
Highest shutter speed - 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 4.0 frames/s 12.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range no built-in flash 10.00 m (@ ISO 100)
Flash options no built-in flash Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Highest flash sync - 1/160 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 1920 x 1080 (60p, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video data format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 330 grams (0.73 pounds) 618 grams (1.36 pounds)
Physical dimensions 122 x 67 x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") 132 x 98 x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested 75
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.4
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.0
DXO Low light score not tested 785
Other
Battery life - 550 shots
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model - NP-FM500H
Self timer - Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage - SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots Single Single
Launch pricing $1,353 $1,000