Sigma DP3 Merrill
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- 640 x 480 video
- 75mm (F2.8) lens
- 330g - 122 x 67 x 59mm
- Released January 2013
- Previous Model is Sigma DP2 Merrill
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
83 Imaging
56 Features
33 Overall
46
Sigma DP3 Merrill overview
Sigma DP3 Merrill is Sigma's Large Sensor Compact digital camera originally revealed on January of 2013. The camera includes a 15MP, CMOS (Foveon X3) APS-C size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4704 x 3136.
Sigma launched this model in order to improve the earlier Sigma DP2 Merrill (Read Full Comparison)
The DP3 Merrill stands at #55 out of 65 in Large Sensor Compact cameras and all round #495 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to use our Smart camera search to see camera listings based on your personalized requirements.
Here is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.
Sigma DP3 Merrill history
The Sigma DP3 Merrill comes with a history of related cameras. Listed below, you can discover all past and newer models along with important specs.
F2.815MPAPS-C2013
Sigma DP3 Merrill Gallery
You can look at the DP3 Merrill from several angles in the gallery below.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Pros and Cons
Here is a selection of benefits and drawbacks of the Sigma DP3 Merrill based on criterias which are often viewed as essential in a digital camera.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Sensor information
The Sigma DP3 Merrill houses the Dual TRUE II engine chip. The measurement of the sensor in the Sigma DP3 Merrill is 24mm x 16mm (APS-C). The 384 mm² sensor can resolve 4704 x 3136 pixels .
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor boasts 15MP and features a standard ISO range of 100 - 6400. RAW photos are supported so you have more margin for error.
The graphic underneath shows the DP3 Merrill's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The DP3 Merrill sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is displayed in green.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsTo get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Sigma DP3 Merrill dimensions
Sigma DP3 Merrill weighs 0.73 lbs (330 grams or 11.64 ounces) and features external proportions of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3"). The weight of normal Large Sensor Compact camera is 396 grams so the Sigma DP3 Merrill is lighter as compared to its competitors.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsHere is a picture of the Sigma DP3 Merrill besides a softdrink to help you to have a feel for its size.
The top view underneath will illustrate the button layout on the DP3 Merrill.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Lens information
The DP3 Merrill has got an inbuilt lens offering a constant focal length of 75mm which means you have no ability to zoom.
At it's widest 75mm, the lens will have an aperture of f2.8 which will be really sluggish and not very good in low light conditions and you may find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You would also have to up your ISO setting which causes noisy images.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Connectivity
The DP3 Merrill has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
Cameras that come with NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to send images and at times alter camera settings without the hassle of connecting physically with the camera.
A few apps also allow a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it can be attached to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to charge the battery using the USB port.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Video information
The maximum video quality in the Sigma DP3 Merrill is 640 x 480 and it can record in Motion JPEG file format. 480p is low by today's requirements. You should go for a minimum 1080p quality for decent video. The body doesn't feature a mic and headphone port so you have absolutely no control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to find an alternative model if you want better audio in your videos.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Weather Sealing
There is no weather proofing on the Sigma DP3 Merrill so you have to be cautious in wet or dusty conditions.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Screen and Viewfinder
The Sigma DP3 Merrill includes a 3" fixed screen having a resolution of 920k dots.
Sadly the screen isn't a touch screen.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe ViewFinder specs regarding Sigma DP3 Merrill are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders can be quite useful.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Shutter information
Sigma DP3 Merrill continuous shooting rate is 4.0 fps.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Flash and Hot shoe information
Sigma DP3 Merrill boasts external flash ability but is lacking in-built flash.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Autofocusing information
Sigma DP3 Merrill has not got Auto focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more quicker and precise as compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing.
Sigma DP3 Merrill has the ability to use manual focus if needed for low light scenarios or you need to have more accurate focus control.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Battery life
The general Large Sensor Compact camera battery life is 301. Leica X-U features the highest possible (450) battery life for this group of cameras.
Listed below is a list of Large Sensor Compact cameras that come with the best battery life:
Sigma DP3 Merrill for various forms of photography
The following chart presents a summation of the Sigma DP3 Merrill for various forms of photography. To understand more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.
Portrait photography with Sigma DP3 Merrill
The Sigma DP3 Merrill gets a score of 73 which is nice, and means the camera is a respectable fit for portrait photography. Shooting portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, support for RAW photos together with the ability to work with off-camera lighting.
Street photography with Sigma DP3 Merrill
Having a above average points total of 65, the Sigma DP3 Merrill is a fine option to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera gives a fine balance of image quality plus portability.
Sigma DP3 Merrill as a Sports photography camera
A lousy sports photography rating of 44 suggests the Sigma DP3 Merrill is not very good for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have good focusing and continuous shooting for sports photography.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Travel photography features
Weight is extremely important when picking a camera for travel. All things considered, the Sigma DP3 Merrill gets a modest 54 as a travel camera which is reasonably suitable to buy for your trips.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Landscape photography factors
If you are looking to choose a camera for landscape photos, the most essential aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Sigma DP3 Merrill and it's moderate score of 55 as a landscape camera is reasonably suitable within the current market.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Vlogging features
A camera for vlogging should posses a articulating display, microphone input and preferably IBIS. Considering everything, the Sigma DP3 Merrill is not very good as a vlog camera as it delivers a lousy score of 22.
Sigma DP3 Merrill Alternatives
If you are shopping for replacements to the DP3 Merrill, below is a list of the top ranked cameras that fall within the category of Large Sensor Compact.
The line graph followed below will give you a summary of the DP3 Merrill vs it's top scored rivals suggested earlier.
Following are additional cameras you may regard as alternatives. To read through a complete comparison, click the "compare" link.