As most visitors to this site probably know, the Sigma DP1 is the first of its kind, a compact camera with a sensor more than four times larger than any previously featured in a digital compact. Over the next several weeks, we will publish a series of tests comparing the DP1 both to larger cameras, with which it shares a common sensor size, as well as to its compact peers, which feature small sensors. The goal here isn't to comprehensively cover the features of the DP1. The DP1 is clearly attracting the interest of many large photography sites, so there will be no shortage of such coverage. Rather, we hope to share some interesting findings, ones which either aren't covered elsewhere or which we'd like to cover in a different way.

Some comments regarding methods, which apply to all sections of the shootout:
- Unless otherwise noted, all photos have been taken on a sturdy tripod with self timer.
- Images taken using DSLRs were taken using mirror lockup.
- All images are processed from RAW, unless the camera used does not offer this.
- All RAW files have had white balance adjusted as part of RAW conversion. This is done with an attempt to match WB between cameras as well as possible.
- DP1 RAW files were processed using Sigma Photo Pro (SPP) v3.2 (Mac) with all sliders to "0" unless otherwise specified. SPP was chosen because at the time of this writing, no other RAW processors yet support the DP1.
- E-420 RAW files were processed using Olympus Master v2.06 (Mac), which is currently the only RAW converter with E-420 support. All settings were at "0" unless otherwise noted. Gradation was set to "Normal".
- For dynamic range and high ISO detail/noise testing, Canon 5D RAW files were processed using Raw Developer v1.7.2 (Mac). This RAW converter was chosen because it does a relatively "straight" conversion. Settings were at default except that noise reduction was disabled. Sharpening was left at default.
- Both Master and SPP seem to apply sharpening at the "O" setting. This was left alone.

In many instances, we've had to make tough choices in terms of testing methods, especially with regards to processing files. For each test, RAW files will be available for download; so if you object to our choices, you will have the opportunity to make different ones with the same source material.

Part 2, coming soon, will feature a comparison of dynamic range between the Sigma DP1, Olympus E-420, and Canon 5D. Small sensor compact cameras will also be included for comparisons in subsequent parts of the shootout.