A pristine image quality (even jpeg), provided one does not exceed the 640iso. Crazy dive, depth unmatched picture, incredible colors ... of photography in the noble sense of the term. So yes from 800iso is almost unusable, no built-in flash, self-limited batteries, yet which foot! It's a bit a hymn to 'slow photography'. Not that the DP2 Merrill is too slow in AF mode (it remains altogether rather precise and fast) but to get the most you have to know to take the time to use it. I even sold my Ricoh GR (very good too) simply because rendering Sigma baby is extraordinary. Where other manufacturers offer many gadgets, here is the fundamental prevail. And this 45mm equivalent focal length in 24x36 is perfect: landscape, portrait, street, it's very versatile. A masterpiece, to the limited price, since his successor has now arrived. For lovers this is a must-have.