It's too bad because when I was able to get all the stars to align with the X1, image results were very impressive. With most compact cameras I rarely shoot above ISO 800 but with the X1 I had no fear of going to the maximum ISO 3200. Whatever noise that did show up in my images of the performance artists was easily fixed in Photoshop.

In good light, the X1 was still slow to focus but image quality was top-notch for a camera this size. I shot a series of portraits in a diner that rival anything I've done with a DSLR and f/2.8 lens.

On the downside, image playback on the X1's screen is exceedingly slow. I could've ordered another cup of coffee by the time it took to review all the portraits.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The quest for the ideal compact camera takes another leap forward and another step back with the Leica X1. Though this attractive and well-built little camera is capable of capturing images that rival those taken with high-quality digital SLRs, using it is such a slog you might wonder why you spent all that money on it. Though it beats the pants off the Canon Powershot G11 and Panasonic Lumix GF1 when shooting at high ISOs in low light, those two models are far more enjoyable to use, come with video modes (the X1 has none), and are considerably cheaper. (In the case of the G11, you could buy four of them to one X1.) It's hard to deny the potential of this terrific high ISO performer but, in the end, the X1 is a disappointment.

Leica X1

www.leica-camera.us

Pros: Best image quality we've seen in a compact camera; very low noise even at high ISOs; smart-looking, compact design; price includes copy of Adobe Lightroom.

Cons: Very slow to autofocus; slow overall speed including jittery Live View and glacial image playback; command dials don't lock firmly into place causing settings to accidentally change; no video mode; expensive.

Price: $2,000