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Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X

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Zeiss ZX1

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

Zeiss ZX1

CHECK TODAY's PRICE
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Canon G5 X

20 MP | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Canon G5 X
$699.00

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Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZX1 and G5 X, two Large Sensor Compact cameras from Zeiss and Canon. Zeiss ZX1 was introduced to market in September 2018 and Canon G5 X was launched in September 2015. As you can see, G5 X is 3 years older than ZX1. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame sensor whereas Canon G5 X has a 20.0MP 1" sensor. We can expect this to be a close match up because both models are ranked amongst the best in Large Sensor Compact cameras. Out of 60 cameras in this class, Zeiss ZX1 is ranked #4 with an overall score of 76 and Canon G5 X is ranked #9 with an overall score of 71.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Zeiss ZX1 Key Specs

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

Canon G5 X Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2015-09-11
  • 20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 12800
  • 24-100 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • 2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 5.9 fps continuous shooting
  • 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 353g. 112 x 76 x 44 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Zeiss ZX1 over Canon PowerShot G5 X
Max Sensor Resolution 37 MP vs 20 MP 85% more pixels
Max ISO 51.200 vs 12.800 300% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points 255 vs 31 224 more focus points
LCD Screen Size 4.34x vs 3" 1.34 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution 2.765k dots vs 1.040k dots 165% higher resolution screen
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Max Aperture - Tele 2.00 vs 2.80 faster lens at tele
Viewfinder Resolution 6220.8k dot vs 2360k dot 163% higher resolution
Sensor Pixel Area 23.11µm2 vs 5.82µm2 297% larger pixel area
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
Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G5 X over Zeiss ZX1
Built-in Image Stabilization Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash Yes vs No Useful in low-light
Continuous Shooting 5.9fps vs 3.0fps 2.9 fps faster
Weight 353 g vs 800 g 447 g lighter
Timelapse Recording Yes vs No creative shooting
Focal Length - Wide 24mm vs 35mm 11 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele 100mm vs 35mm 65 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom 4.2x vs more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.80 vs 2.00 faster lens at wide
Built-in ND Filter Yes vs No Use larger aperture under strong light
NFC Connection Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices
Smartphone_remote control Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Common Strengths of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon PowerShot G5 X
Wireless Connection Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Articulating Screen Yes vs Yes Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Touch Screen Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution 37 MP vs 20 MP Bigger prints and more details
Manual Focusing Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Max Aperture - Tele 2.00 vs 2.80 Fast lenses at tele
AE Bracketing Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Common Weaknesses of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon PowerShot G5 X
Environmental Sealing No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X: 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 Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X. Canon G5 X is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 30mm narrower, 17mm shorter and 2mm thinner than Zeiss ZX1.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Camera Size Comparison - Front View


Here is the back view size comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Camera Size Comparison - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X.
Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Camera Size Comparison - Top View

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Detailed Size Comparison

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon G5 X is significantly lighter (447g ) than the Zeiss ZX1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Zeiss ZX1 nor Canon PowerShot G5 X 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 4.34x LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon G5 X's 3" screen.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X: Sensor Comparison

Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Canon G5 X has a 20.0MP 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 processor.

Zeiss ZX1's sensor provides 17MP more than Canon G5 X'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 ZX1 and G5 X sensor size comparison.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Sensor Size Comparison


As seen above, Zeiss ZX1 has a 7.4x Larger sensor area than Canon G5 X. 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.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X Lens Specs Comparison

Zeiss ZX1 features a 35 mm F2-22 Prime lens whereas Canon G5 X features a 24-100 mm F1.8-2.8 4.2x zoom lens.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Canon G5 X'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, Canon G5 X has 65mm longer telezoom reach than the Zeiss ZX1. However, with a max aperture of f2.00, Zeiss ZX1 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Widest - Sony RX100 VII
Average
Telezoom

Large sensor compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large sensor compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Fastest - Leica Q
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large sensor compact Cameras

ZX1
G5 X
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X 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.

Zeiss ZX1 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Canon G5 X for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
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
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Street Photography

GOOD

Canon G5 X for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
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
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G5 X for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
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
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
31 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.9fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Environmental Sealings
Poor Battery Life: 210 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon G5 X for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
800g
Body Thickness 46mm
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
4.2X Optical Zoom
353g
Body Thickness 44mm
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G5 X for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 37.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details


Zeiss ZX1 vs Canon G5 X: 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 Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X, 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 Zeiss ZX1 and Canon G5 X scores compare:

Zeiss ZX1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #4 out of 58 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #72 out of 1190 in all Cameras
Canon G5 X
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #9 out of 58 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #138 out of 1190 in all Cameras

Zeiss ZX1 has a higher Overall Score than the Canon G5 X mainly because of its huge advantage in Image quality. In all other areas, Canon G5 X excels. It is a tough choice!
If image quality is your priority, get the Zeiss ZX1.
If you are ready to compromise image quality for extra features, compactness and value, choose Canon G5 X

Zeiss ZX1
Zeiss ZX1

Canon G5 X
Canon G5 X
$699.00

Canon G5 X vs Zeiss ZX1 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Zeiss ZX1 Canon PowerShot G5 X
Brand Zeiss Canon
Announced 2018-09-27 2015-09-11
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Size Full frame 1"
Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
Area 864.00mm2 116.16mm2
Megapixels 37 megapixels 20 megapixels
Max Resolution 7488 x 4992 5472 x 3648
Max Native Light sensitivity 51,200 ISO 12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 125 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 255 31
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 35 mm () 24-100 mm (4.2x)
Max Aperture F2-22 F1.8-2.8
Macro Focus Range n/a 5cm
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Size 4.34x 3"
Resolution 2,765k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 6,221k dots 2,360k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Photography Features
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization No Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range no built-in flash 7.00 m (at Auto ISO)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps 5.9 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 800g 353g
Dimensions 142 x 93 x 46mm 112 x 76 x 44mm
Battery Life n/a 210 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 62
DxO Color Depth not tested 21.4
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 12.3
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 471
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