• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sigma SD15 advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 5.00 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 250 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    21 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Sigma SD15

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 0.98 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Lighter weight
    400g vs 680g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.8 vs 4.7 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma SD15 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Newer
  • Lighter weight
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Olympus E30

Sigma SD15
Olympus E30
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma SD15 vs Olympus E30

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E30
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Olympus E30

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma SD15 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Sony DSLR-A330

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sigma SD15
Nikon D300S
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma SD15 vs Nikon D300S

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon D300S
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Nikon D300S

Compared to Olympus E-5

Sigma SD15
Olympus E-5
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma SD15 vs Olympus E-5

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-5
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma DP3 Merrill vs Olympus E-5

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