• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

Buy From

Differences

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Pentax K-1 II

  • Lighter weight
    400g vs 1010g
    Lighter weight

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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 GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 670 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 14.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.5 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    77 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    4.6 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent build and comfortable handling; Bright, roomy viewfinder and articulated LCD; Great image quality; Good performance for the class; In-camera stabilization, GPS and Wi-Fi; Incredibly feature-rich design.

  • Bulkier than APS-C DSLRs; Top ISOs are for the spec sheet, not the real world; JPEGs are a bit punchy by default; Slow startup; Below-average battery life; Only a relatively modest update to the K-1.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Canon 5DS R
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5DS R
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Pentax K-1

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Pentax K-1
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-1 II
Pentax K-1
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $1800
  • 35mm

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lighter weight
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony A99 II

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Sony A99 II
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lighter weight
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-1 II
Sony A99 II
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Nikon D850

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon D850
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lighter weight
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D850
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Compare Other Cameras?