I am very excited about these cameras. They have features like:
- much improved LCD screen
- standardized controls for both cameras. They can probably use the same body shells for both cameras, which saves them money, and make it easier for owners of multiple cameras.
- non-retracting lens. Look at the photos comparing the thicknesses of the original DP1 and new DP1M. The thickness of the new, at the lens barrel, is the same as the old with an auto lens cap. This means that the DP1M is actually slimmer than the DP1 when in operation. It also means that the DP2M will be definitely slimmer. Startup time should be improved as there is no extending lens barrel, and it should be more quiet, too, due to a lack of grinding lens extension motors.
- SD1 sensor. This is the only thing that concerns me, ironically. I have been looking around and the SD1 images don't quite have that supersharp pixel level detail that the DP1 and DP2 produce. I am hoping that these new cameras, paired with improved SPP, will be able to create or better the awesomely satisfying sharpness and vividness of the DP1 and DP2.
I'm really hoping that it will have a very quiet or near-silent shutter, and that AF performance will be at least as good as the Ricoh GXR. I'm also hoping that the new battery means that it will have a longer battery life than its predecessors!