With a 41mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens and APS-C (1.7x crop) Foveon (4.65MP) sensor, the DP2 is unique amongst compacts. It allows a more shallow depth of field than any other pocketable camera at this field of view. Based on samples to date, the lens appears to live up to performance expectations.
Links:
Sigma DP2 Official Sample Image Gallery
Sigma DP2 at Amazon for $650 (Pre-order)