The competition
Sigma is the only other manufacturer to offer a compact camera with an APS-C-sized sensor, in the form of the DP1, DP2, and the DP2s.
Image: Sigma DP2
These cameras have a Foveon 3X Direct Image sensor (CMOS), which produces a full-colour signal at each photosite. Sigma claims this enables the 4.6-million-pixel cameras to produce images comparable with 14-million-pixel models. However, our tests of the DP1 and DP2 indicate that seven or eight million pixels is nearer the mark.
With a street price of around £1,395, the X1 costs more than many entry-level DSLR kits, although these are bulkier, and a compact-styled hybrid camera like the 12.1-million-pixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the more likely competition.
Image: Panasonic Lumix GF1
This camera, which accepts interchangeable lenses, can be bought as a kit with the Lumix G Vario 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens, or the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph Mega OIS.
