SHOOTOUT: Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP3 Merrill (Green Machine, Frontal View)
Related: digital sensor, field of view, Leica, Leica APS_C, Leica DSLR, Leica X Vario, Mark S, shootout, Sigma, Sigma APS_C, Sigma DP3 Merrill, Sigma mirrorless, Sigma true-color, true-color sensor or image
A few days ago I published a shootout between the Leica X Vario and the Sigma DP3 Merrill at f/8, which showed the stunning performance of the Sigma Foveon X3 true-color sensor mated to a superb f/2.8 lens.
But I wondered: what about wider apertures with the Sigma DP3 Merrill including f/2.8; could it be that f/2.8 might rival or beat the Leica X Vario at f/6.4?
And in general I thought it would be useful to confirm the results of the first shootout across the full aperture series.
SHOOTOUT: Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP3 Merrill (Green Machine, Frontal View)
If you want to make big prints from a small camera, then READ THIS comparison. It’s not just about sharpness, it’s about realism and texture. Wow.
Sigma DP3 Merrill @ f/4
Mark S writes:
Very informative and thorough comparison.
The apparent detail of the DP3 is much more than 20% or 30% higher than the X Vario to my eye. The DP3 Merrill is really very impressive. I imagine it would stack up fairly well to a 24 or 36mp bayer image resampled down to match.
The overall color quality and “nervousness” of the out of focus areas, however, is unfortunate. That and the pokey AF make me think twice about picking one up.
DIGLLOYD Agreed on the “higher” and 24/36 comment also. I suspect that large prints would be as compelling as the tulips, which continues to impress even with time on my wall.
