What, if not low-light image quality, is left in favor of spending $2000 on the X1? The traditional-style control layout will certainly appeal very strongly to some, the near-silent leaf-shutter can be a distinct advantage over the louder focal-plane shutters in the Micro Four Thirds cameras for some uses, and the lighter weight isn't to be totally dismissed. No doubt for some users these advantages will be sufficient reason to buy, but for the majority of photographers, it's impossible not to conclude that, despite the X1's charms, a Pen or a GF1 would be a more sensible option.

If you can live with the X1's deliberate lack of bells and whistles and more importantly its general sluggishness, it is undoubtedly a delightful camera that takes superb pictures. Highly recommended if that description fits you, but otherwise steer clear and consider one of the more responsive and crucially much cheaper Micro Four Thirds cameras.