• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Panasonic GX9

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.34 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

Panasonic GX9 advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • 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 (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 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
  • Higher-res screen
    413k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.3 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
    9.2 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    140 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.1 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    32 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX9

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Good high ISO performance for its class; Improved JPEG processing; Fast autofocus; Fast ~9fps burst mode.

  • Smallish field-sequential EVF; Below average battery life; No mic/headphone jacks; Noticeable crop on 4K video.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M5 II

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic GX9
Panasonic GX85
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-PL8
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer video battery life
  • Longer stills battery life

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
Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Olympus E-PL9
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-PL9
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lighter weight
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