Capture Stunning Shots with the Sigma DP3 Merrill Camera: A Detailed Review

Explore the exceptional capabilities of the Sigma DP3 Merrill Camera in this comprehensive review. Discover its impressive image quality, advanced features, and user-friendly interface to take your photography game to the next level.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sigma DP3 Merrill article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 08 2013

Announced

15 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSigma
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS (Foveon X3)
Weight330g
MSRP$999USD

Other similar cameras

Sigma DP1 Merrill thumbnail

Sigma DP1 Merrill

Released Feb 08 2012 | 15MP resolution

Sigma DP2 Merrill thumbnail

Sigma DP2 Merrill

Released Feb 08 2012 | 15MP resolution

Sigma SD1 Merrill thumbnail

Sigma SD1 Merrill

Released Apr 10 2012 | 15MP resolution

Overview of the DP3 Merrill

If you're looking for a compact and powerful camera with high-resolution image quality, the Sigma DP3 Merrill is your answer. This advanced camera boasts a 46-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and a superb lens that produces sharp and vibrant images. In this article, we'll delve into the features that make the Sigma DP3 Merrill stand out in the market, explore its pros and cons, and help you decide whether this camera is the right choice for your photography needs.

Sigma DP3 Merrill Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sigma DP3 Merrill camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution (46 megapixel Foveon sensor)
Sharp and detailed images
Compact and portable size
Good battery life (around 200 shots per charge)
User-friendly interface
Good color accuracy
Excellent dynamic range
Manual focus override
RAW image format

Cons

Slow autofocus
Limited ISO range (100-6400)
No image stabilization
No video capability
Limited third-party accessories
Limited lens selection
Poor low-light performance
Fixed LCD screen
Slow image processing time

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sigma DP3 Merrill

Weather sealed
Dimensions122 x 67 x 59mm
Weight330g
Thickness59mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Sigma DP3 Merrill is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution920k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 920k dots. This makes the Sigma DP3 Merrill not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Sigma DP3 Merrill does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the DP3 Merrill camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sigma DP3 Merrill has a 15MP sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 15 pixels. Sigma DP3 Merrill has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 08 2013

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4704 x 3136 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sigma DP3 Merrill camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the DP3 Merrill is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sigma DP3 Merrill supports undefined with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sigma DP3 Merrill uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sigma DP3 Merrill does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sigma DP3 Merrill boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of n/a, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Sigma DP3 Merrill does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sigma DP3 Merrill?

The Sigma DP3 Merrill features a CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor

Is the Sigma DP3 Merrill weather sealed?

No the DP3 Merrill does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sigma DP3 Merrill announced?

The Sigma DP3 Merrill was announced on Jan 08 2013

Does the Sigma DP3 Merrill have in-body image stabilization?

No the DP3 Merrill does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sigma DP3 Merrill?

The DP3 Merrill has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Sigma DP2 Merrill article cover photo

Unleashing the Power of Sigma DP2 Merrill Camera: A Detailed Review

Are you looking for a camera that delivers exceptional image quality and outstanding details? Look no further than the Sigma DP2 Merrill camera. This powerful camera comes with a host of features that promise to take your photography game to new heights. In this review, we'll give you an in-depth look at the Sigma DP2 Merrill camera and tell you exactly why it's perhaps the best camera for your next photography adventure.