Canon EOS 70D vs Sigma DP3 Merrill

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS 70D and the Sigma DP3 Merrill, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS 70D was introduced in October 2013 and Sigma DP3 Merrill was introduced in January 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS 70D Highlights

      • 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 19 Focus Points (19 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sigma DP3 Merrill Highlights

      • 46 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 70D and Sigma DP3 Merrill.

      PROS

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      •   Video Capture
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      CONS

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -0.5 EV Min AF Detection
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 68
      •   Weight - 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 920 shots
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps

      Advantage of Canon EOS 70D

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 70D over Sigma DP3 Merrill.

      Canon EOS 70D vs Sigma DP3 Merrill
      More Cross-type Focus Points 19 vs 0
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Single Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 920k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs []
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 640 x 480
      Microphone Input vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 70D.

      Advantage of Sigma DP3 Merrill

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma DP3 Merrill over Canon EOS 70D.

      Canon EOS 70D vs Sigma DP3 Merrill
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 46 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 vs 4704 x 3136
      Lighter 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz) vs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma DP3 Merrill.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS 70D Sigma DP3 Merrill
        Video Capture
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS 70D Sigma DP3 Merrill
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 1080640 x 480
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS 70D and Sigma DP3 Merrill have 3.0" screens with 1,040k dot and 920k dot resolutions respectively. Canon EOS 70D has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Sigma DP3 Merrill has a Fixed screen Canon EOS 70D also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Canon EOS 70D with Fully Articulated screen


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Canon EOS 70D

      Canon EOS 70D has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 98% coverage and 0.95x (0.59x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sigma DP3 Merrill.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 70D features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.5 x 15 mm and a total area of 337.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Sigma DP3 Merrill features a 46 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 256 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS 70D is equipped with DIGIC 5+ processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3468x2432, 2736x1824, 1920x1280, 720x480, 4864x3648, 3248x2432, 2432x1824, 1696x1280, 640x480,5472x3072, 3468x2048, 2736x1536, 1920x1080, 720x408, 3648x3648, 2432x2432, 1824x1824, 1280x1280, 480x480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sigma DP3 Merrill is equipped with Dual TRUE II engine processor and can take pictures up to 4704 x 3136 resolution.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS 70D it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma DP3 Merrill nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon EOS 70D

      Canon EOS 70D has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS 70D comes with LP-E6 battery pack with battery life of 920 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS 70D has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Sigma DP3 Merrill has a single card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 70D, and up to [] on Sigma DP3 Merrill. Canon EOS 70D can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Sigma DP3 Merrill can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS 70D has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 19 (19 cross-type) focusing points and Sigma DP3 Merrill has . Canon EOS 70D has detection range from -0.5 to +18 EV.


      Flash

      Canon EOS 70D has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Sigma DP3 Merrill has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Canon EOS 70D.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS 70D body has dimensions of 139 x 104 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.11 x 3.09") and Sigma DP3 Merrill body has dimensions of 122 x 67 x 59 mm (4.8 x 2.64 x 2.32"). Canon EOS 70D weighs 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz) and Sigma DP3 Merrill weighs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz).

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      139 mm

      104 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      122 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      104 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      79 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      59 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon EOS 70D and Sigma DP3 Merrill

      Canon EOS 70D and Sigma DP3 Merrill for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      84
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 920 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      43
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 920 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      46
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      83
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      84
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 920 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS 70D and Sigma DP3 Merrill and give them scores of 73 and 45 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      OVERALL
      73
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 68
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 46 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps

      Video

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      2
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   -0.5 EV Min AF Detection
      •   19 Focus Points
      •   19 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      BAD
      0
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS 70D

      Sigma DP3 Merrill

      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 920 shots
      POOR
      52
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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