• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    49 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 14.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    26 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    23 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sigma DP3 Merrill

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Review Excerpt

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Panasonic GX8
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic GX8
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Olympus E-PL10

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-PL10
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-PL10
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic G100

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Panasonic G100
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
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