Key Features
Jan 08 2013
Announced
15 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Sigma |
Sensor Type | APS-C |
Sensor | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Weight | 330g |
MSRP | $999USD |
Other similar cameras

Sigma DP1 Merrill
Released Feb 08 2012 | 15MP resolution

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Released Feb 08 2012 | 15MP resolution

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
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 122 x 67 x 59mm |
Weight | 330g |
Thickness | 59mm |
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 Finder | None |
Screen Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Resolution | 920k dots |
Body type | Large sensor compact |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above 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
Sensor | APS-C |
Extended ISO | null - null |
Max resolution | 4704 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
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
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.
FAQ
The Sigma DP3 Merrill features a CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor
No the DP3 Merrill does not have weather sealing.
The Sigma DP3 Merrill was announced on Jan 08 2013
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.
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.
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