Leica X1 Field Review

Take the 12.2 Megapixel Sony-fabricated sensor that's likely the same one found in the Nikon D300, put it in a pocket-sized Leica-designed body with a Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens, have someone else build it but complete the assembly and testing in Solms, Germany, and what do you have? TheLeica X1, if course.
I first became aware of the X1 back in August when I, along with a few other industry journalists, were invited to Leica's headquarters and factory in Germany for a preview of the then as yet unannouncedLeica M9, and for some hands-on with the equally newLeica S2. I published several online videos of our tour, interviews and shooting experience with these two cameras, for which links can be found on the site'sHome Page. But, there was a third new camera, the X1, to which we were given a sneak peek. It still was in prototype form, but we all became pretty excited about it.
The X1 is now ready for testing. The production unit that I have still has pre-release firmware (0.72i), b...