Number 3 is the Sigma DP1.

In my own print comparisons, the Sigma DP1 has the best image quality of any digital compact camera. "Best" may not be the optimal word since there are those who prefer the coarse rendering of small sensors or want the highest resolution possible, which the DP1 does not offer. However, the exceedingly clean DP1 files - with their smooth tonal transitions, high dynamic range, open shadows, and resilience during tone mapping - have the best image quality as far as I am concerned.

The lens, too, is amazing. One may not like the bokeh rendition (I do), and one may find the lens range (28mm equivalent, fixed) or speed (f/4) to be a non-starter. However, this is a lens which is beautifully sharp wide open with even performance across the frame, improving only very slightly (from great to outstanding) in the extreme corners when stopped down from there.

The DP1 hasn't fared well on the big review sites though, and from my perspective, the grilling hasn't been quite fair. For starters, there is too much attention placed on whether the DP1 has 14MP or 4.6MP. There is plenty of detail in the files for medium sized prints, comparable to that of a usual 8-10MP DSLR or advanced small sensor compact.

Where the DP1 really gets hammered in the reviews and discussion forums is for its operability and responsiveness. Here, in my humble opinion, the "experts" mostly have it flat out wrong. Certainly there is nothing "extra" to be found in the DP1 features. No smile recognition or even scene modes. Sigma is clear about the design philosophy and target market for this camera. It is meant to be a return to basics. In this regard, the operability is fairly successful. An optional external viewfinder of high quality and low cost compared to the market allows one to photograph without LCD lag. Controls for all basic image making parameters - aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and manual focus - are quickly and easily alterable. Firmware updates improved further still on these controls. Here is where the reviews really got it wrong though: they assert that the DP1 is unresponsive due to a long shutter lag.

Shutter lag? Really?? When I read the statement, as I have in several reviews, that the DP1 has a "big shutter lag", I have to question the competence of the reviewer. It is striking to me that some of these same reviewers supposedly come from a "street photography" background. As James Vornov once commented on this blog, "No one is trying to capture the decisive moment while changing exposure and getting the rangefinder images to overlap. The camera has been manually set to the right focus and metering and the trick is picking the moment and timing the shutter." The same is absolutely true for the DP1. If one has chosen the focus and the exposure, the camera responds essentially the instant the shutter release is triggered.

Functionally, there are four places where the DP1 falls down. From biggest problem to least, they are: 1) The LCD freezes for a short while and the camera goes unresponsive, unable to change settings, for about five seconds after each shot whether in JPEG or RAW mode; 2) Autofocus is slow compared to most other cameras; 4) There is no image stabilization; and 3) The LCD is of relatively poor quality.

In terms of image quality, there are three issues: 1) High ISO, low light color results are poor (though high ISO, low light B&W results are quite good); 2) Luminance aliasing can be an issue, though on the balance not as much as some try to make it; and 3) A red "sunburst" artifact reliably occurs with very bright lights such as the sun in the frame.

If those operational and imaging issues are acceptable and one is willing to live at 28mm, the DP1 is an amazing tool and easily deserves it's place near the top of this list.

The Sigma DP1 is currently selling for $450 at Amazon.