I think a characteristic of the Foveon sensor is extraordinary (compared to Bayer) rendition of color in a scene. It separates colors, one from another, very well because each of its sensor locations (pixels, if you like) records all three component colors (RGB)present.  Therefore, scenes appear sharper with color lines being more distinct.  The X3 only has something over 4 million plus sensor locations, but there are three layers of them, one for each color. That's where they arrive at 14 mpxls.  Critics say it's not really 14 mpxls, but X3 fans respond by saying that camera makers using Bayer sensors fudge the truth also because the Bayer sensor guesses a large percentage of its data because the sensor divides itself into R,G or B only locations. For every "pixel" recording only red, for instance, it has to guess some of the green and blue values present. Most say camera engineers have achieved fantastic results with their interpolations, but Bayer still has problems that show up as noise, color fringing, lack of detail, etc.

My limited experience with the X3 tells me that it does record a lot of detail and the images, at least at 100 ISO, are extraordinarily sharp and free of noise and other distractions. I really haven't tried higher ISO values.

I understand that B&W images are very good with the DP2 if converted from color files.  However, using the B&W data from just one sensor layer does not yield good results.  I haven't tried it yet.

One disappointment has been the lack of Photoshop CS3 support for DP2 RAW files conversion. It will convert them, but the results are horrible. CS4 does have a dedicated DP2 converter, and the Sigma software that comes with the camera does a good job at converting.

My rationale for buying the DP2 was born of some dissatisfaction with the images from the two (Kodak and Nikon)digital cameras I have.  I wanted to try the Foveon sensor and first looked at the Sigma SD14 that uses the same X3 sensor that's in the DP2. After some thought, I decided against investing in the soon to be replaced SD14 and Sigma lenses. The DP2 was a logical, less expensive, choice and I'm happy with it.

The DP2 is far from perfect, but its a good little camera and the images are of better quality than those produced by my other two digital cameras if I take my time.  The Sigma 41mm (full 35mm frame equivalent) f2.8 lens that comes with the DP2 is a jewel.
   

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears