Sigma is perhaps best known to photographers as a supplier of affordable third-party lenses that are compatible with big-brand cameras. However, it's been gradually developing its own line-up of digital compacts that make the most of its heritage in optical excellence.

Although many photo enthusiasts have been looking forward to Sigma's DP2 since the camera was first revealed at Photokina 2008, we've had to wait almost eight months to see a review unit.

You're looking for a well-built pocketable camera with P; A; S and M shooting modes; and can afford the relatively high price tag; You're prepared to shoot and process raw files; You don't mind working with a frustratingly non-intuitive user interface and menus that are difficult to read outdoors,

I have been using mine for over a week now, and several points must be made. 1. Colour: It has the finest colour I have seen in any compact camera, even JPG seems rich, but you must use RAW/X3F to fully exploit this. 2.

The DP2 is how cameras used to be -- a box with a lens, and just enough controls to let you get the picture you want. And the picture quality is excellent, offering clarity that's on a par with 10- to 12-megapixel digital SLRs and streets ahead of any other compact.

Clarity of detail; Solid and traditional design; Good Sigma Photo Pro software

Expensive; Not so good at high ISOs; Poor LCD screen

The successor to Sigma's DP1 arrives with big expectations and striking design. But how does it fair on the WDC testing bench?

Excellent result can be achieved with a fair amount of effort

Stuttered focusing system; problems in use.

Ok first of all, this is not your typical point-and-shoot digital camera. This camera can produce images that can put full-frame DSLR to a shame, but you should know what you're doing and work around the limitations.

Great Picture Quality

Poor Operation in Low Light; Short Battery Life

At low ISO sensitivities, the photo quality is extremely good, with a broad, smooth tonal range with good shadow and highlight detail. Although, according to Foveon and Sigma, the X3 sensor has 14-megapixel resolution, colour resolution (in this case the number of photo sites, which is 3 for each...

Excellent characteristics for shooting in black and white; Compact; Nice manual controls

Slow AF system, Short battery life, Stiff shutter button, Some interface annoyances, Occasional lock-ups; poor white balance; overly blue LCD screen; poor video capture

Externally, the Sigma DP2's front only has a slightly different looking lens configuration to differentiate it from the original DP1

It's always difficult reviewing cameras like the Sigma DP2, a fairly niche product that inspires fierce loyalty in its devotes. A compact, pocketable camera designed to appeal to enthusiast and fine art photographers, the DP2 joins models like the Canon PowerShot G10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3...

Excellent characteristics for shooting in black and white; compact; nice manual controls

Slow AF system; short battery life; stiff shutter button; some interface annoyances; occasional lockups; poor white balance; overly blue LCD screen; poor video capture

Geek or not, we all appreciate products which manage to combine functionality and style, and I personally always have had a lot of respect for the craftsmen from all around the world for their work and dedication to create unique objec