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Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Comparison

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Leica X Vario

16 MP | APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica X Vario
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Zeiss ZX1

37 MP | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Zeiss ZX1
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Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing X Vario and ZX1, two Large Sensor Compact cameras from Leica and Zeiss. Leica X Vario has a 16.0MP APS-C sensor whereas Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame sensor. Leica X Vario was introduced to market in June 2013 and Zeiss ZX1 was launched in September 2018. As you can see, X Vario is 5 years older than ZX1. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica X Vario Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-06-11
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 28-70 mm F3.5-6.4 Zoom Lens
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 680g. 133 x 73 x 95 mm
  • Replaced Leica X2 Compare

Zeiss ZX1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2018-09-27
  • 37MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 51200
  • 35 mm f2.00 Prime Lens
  • 4.34" Fully Articulated Screen
  • 6220k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 3.0 fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 800g. 142 x 93 x 46 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Leica X Vario over Zeiss ZX1
Built-in Flash
Yes vs No Useful in low-light
Continuous Shooting
5.0fps vs 3.0fps 2 fps faster
Weight
680 g vs 800 g 120 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
28mm vs 35mm 7 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
70mm vs 35mm 35 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
2.5× vs more flexible focal coverage


Reasons to choose Zeiss ZX1 over Leica X Vario
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Electronic vs Electronic (Optional) Better framing and control
Max Sensor Resolution
37 MP vs 16 MP 131% more pixels
Max ISO
51.200 vs 12.500 309% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points
255 vs 11 244 more focus points
LCD Screen Size
4.34" vs 3" 1.34 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
2.765k dots vs 920k dots 200% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/8000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Max Aperture - Wide
2.00 vs 3.50 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
2.00 vs 6.40 faster lens at tele
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 Higher Resolution Video
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth

Common Strengths of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 4.34" Large display
LCD Screen Resolution
920k dots vs 2.765k dots High resolution screens
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Common Weaknesses of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1
In-body Image Stabilization
No vs No No Built-in stabilization
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica X Vario has external dimensions of 133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74″) and weighs 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz) (including batteries). Zeiss ZX1 has external dimensions of 142 x 93 x 46 mm (5.59 x 3.66 x 1.81″) and weighs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1. Leica X Vario is 9mm narrower and 20mm shorter than Zeiss ZX1 but it is also 49mm thicker.

Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1.

Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1.
Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica X Vario is significantly lighter (120g ) than the Zeiss ZX1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Leica X Vario nor Zeiss ZX1 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Zeiss ZX1's 4.34" LCD screen is slightly larger than Leica X Vario's 3" screen.

Moreover, Zeiss ZX1 sports a Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over the head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. On the other hand, Leica X Vario has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to ZX1.
Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1: Sensor Comparison

Leica X Vario has a 16.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .

Zeiss ZX1's sensor provides 21MP more than Leica X Vario's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the X Vario and ZX1 sensor size comparison.

Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 Cameras


As seen above, Zeiss ZX1 has a 2.3x Larger sensor area than Leica X Vario. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1 Lens Specs Comparison

Leica X Vario features a 28-70 mm F3.5-6.4 2.5× zoom lens whereas Zeiss ZX1 features a 35 mm F2-22 Prime lens.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Leica X Vario's zoom lens provides a great flexibility compared to Zeiss ZX1's 35mm fixed focal length lens. On the other hand, ZX1's prime lens makes it a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens. On the tele end, Leica X Vario has 35mm longer reach than the Zeiss ZX1. However, with a max aperture of f2.00, Zeiss ZX1 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Fastest - Leica Q
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X Vario
ZX1
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica X Vario for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Zeiss ZX1 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 37.0MP
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Leica X Vario for Street Photography

GOOD

Zeiss ZX1 for Street Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
No Image Stabilization
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Leica X Vario for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Zeiss ZX1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
70 mm Tele Lens
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
255 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
35 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Leica X Vario for Daily Photography

GOOD

Zeiss ZX1 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
680g
Body Thickness 95mm
2.5X Optical Zoom
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
800g
Body Thickness 46mm
Read the details

Leica X Vario for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Zeiss ZX1 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 37.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Leica X Vario vs Zeiss ZX1: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica X Vario and Zeiss ZX1 scores compare:

Leica X Vario
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #41 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #379 out of 1226 in all Cameras
Zeiss ZX1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #5 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #72 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Zeiss ZX1 has a higher Overall Score than the Leica X Vario and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Leica X Vario
Leica X Vario
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Zeiss ZX1
Zeiss ZX1
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Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica X Vario Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica X Vario Zeiss ZX1
Brand Leica Zeiss
Announced 2013-06-11 2018-09-27
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size APS-C Full frame
Dimensions 23.6 x 15.8 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 372.88mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 37 megapixels
Max Resolution 4928 x 3272 7488 x 4992
Max Native Light sensitivity 12,500 ISO 51,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 255
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 28-70 mm (2.5×) 35 mm ()
Max Aperture F3.5-6.4 F2-22
Screen
Type Fixed type Fully Articulated
Size 3" 4.34"
Resolution 920k dots 2,765k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder 6,221k dots
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization No No
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps 3.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 680g 800g
Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95mm 142 x 93 x 46mm
Battery Life 450 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 78 not tested
DxO Color Depth 23.4 not tested
DxO Dynamic Range 12.7 not tested
DxO Low Light ISO 1320 not tested
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