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Sigma DP3 Merrill

 
Sigma DP3 Merrill front
 
Portability
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.

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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.

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.

focusing manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
MP count decent (15MP)
nice screen size (3 inch)
saves RAW files
very good min ISO (100)
very good screen resolution (920 k dot)
doesn't have external mic port
doesn't have HDMI port
doesn't have headphone port
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
does not have image stabilization
fixed focal length (75mm)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
lacks phase detect autofocus
low quality video (640 x 480 resolution)
painfully slow continuous shooting (4.0 fps)
screen does not articulate
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
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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 .

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The 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.

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To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Here is a picture of the Sigma DP3 Merrill besides a softdrink to help you to have a feel for its size.

Sigma DP3 Merrill dimensions scale

The top view underneath will illustrate the button layout on the DP3 Merrill.

Sigma DP3 Merrill topview buttons dials

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.

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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.

Photography Glossary

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.

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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.

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The 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.

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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.

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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.

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manual focus
resolution is good (15MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW files

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.

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sensor size is decent (APS-C)
exports RAW files
no articulating screen
no image stabilization

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.

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sensor resolution is decent (15MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
can't change focal length (75mm)
very slow continuous shooting (4.0 fps)
lack of image stabilization
no phase detect auto focus

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.

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megapixel count decent (15MP)
lack of Time Lapse recording
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)

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.

Photography Glossary
you can focus manually
good sized screen (3 inch)
good resolution (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (75mm)
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
lack of image stabilization
lack of Time Lapse recording

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.

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somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
does not offer selfie friendly display
no image stabilization
low video resolution (640 x 480 pxls)
doesn't have external mic support

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Sigma
Model
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Category
Large Sensor Compact
Released
2013-01-08
Body design
Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS (Foveon X3)
Chip
Dual TRUE II engine
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
24 x 16mm
Sensor area
384.0mm²
Sensor resolution
15 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Maximum resolution
4704 x 3136
RAW images
Maximum native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
75mm (1x)
Max aperture
f/2.8
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inch
Resolution of screen
920k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Continuous shooting speed
4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
no built-in flash
Flash settings
no built-in flash
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
640 x 480
Maximum video resolution
640x480
Video file format
Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
330 gr (0.73 lb)
Dimensions
122 x 67 x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3")
Other
Time lapse recording
Storage slots
1
Launch price
$1,353