In the next few sections of the shootout, I'll be comparing the DP1 to two of the more popular advanced compacts, the Canon Powershot G9 and the Leica D-LUX3 (Leica's version of the Panasonic LX2). Here is a size comparison of those cameras, along with the smallest currently available DSLR, the Olympus E-420:





As you can see, from tallest to shortest E-420 > G9 > DP1 > D-LUX3.
From thickest body to thinnest body, again E-420 > G9 > DP1 > D-LUX3.
Including the lens, thickest to thinnest, E-420 > DP1 > D-LUX3 > G9.

In practice, based on which camera I can fit in which cases and pockets, the size order is E-420 largest, DP1 and G9 about the same, and D-LUX3 smallest. Note that that Ricoh GRD2 would have been easily the most compact amongst this company.

For the comparisons to come, I'll be comparing at equal output size based on total pixel count. That's a bit different than comparing at equal diagonal dimensions, which was the approach in Parts 1-4 of the shootout. The reason for the change is that the 16:9 native aspect ratio of the D-LUX3 is such that it has a significantly lower megapixel output than the G9 when both are output at the same diagonal angle of view.

The following images represent 24% views of images which have been downsized to match the native output pixel count of the DP1 (4.6MP). They give an idea of the field of view (FOV) coverage of each of the three cameras with the Canon and Leica at their widest zoom settings (35mm and 28mm equivalent, respectively). In addition, they give a preliminary sense of the colors one can expect at default settings when using these cameras with automatic metering and white balance. The DP1 image was processed using Sigma Photo Pro (SPP) and the G9 and DLUX3 images were processed in Adobe Lightroom (latest version), which should give the same results as Adobe Camera RAW (ACR).

First the G9 image:



Next the DP1:



Finally the D-LUX3:



In case anyone would like to play with them, here are the RAW files with the caveat that although a tripod was used, multiple takes were not done to assure the sharpest possible result:



Part 6 is coming soon.