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Some might see the Foveon X3 sensor as the SD15's weak point, but it isn't. It produces small files, true, but they have such astonishing clarity and sharpness that they're a fair match for any regular APS-C format D-SLR.
The lack of features isn't really a problem, either. Using a D-SLR that's been stripped down to its basics will be a refreshing experience for experienced photographers who favour a thinking, methodical approach rather than complicated high-tech automation.
Where the SD15 does fall down is in the most mundane, straightforward areas of design and usability. It's big and tough, but also feels rather crude. And the controls are too muddled and confused: it's a simple camera that's been made unnecessarily frustrating.
And that's a shame. It's great to see such an innovative approach to digital imaging, and the quality of the Foveon X3 sensor's images is remarkable. We can only imagine what could be achieved if it could be developed into larger, higher-resolution versions.
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