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Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Comparison

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Zeiss ZX1

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

Zeiss ZX1
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Leica Q2 Monochrom

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

Leica Q2 Monochrom
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Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZX1 and Q2 Monochrom, two Large Sensor Compact cameras from Zeiss and Leica. Zeiss ZX1 was introduced to market in September 2018 and Leica Q2 Monochrom was launched in March 2019. There is only 5 months difference between ZX1 and Q2 Monochrom so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

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 63 cameras in this class, Zeiss ZX1 is ranked #3 with an overall score of 76 and Leica Q2 Monochrom is ranked #8 with an overall score of 69.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom 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
  • 4.34" Fully Articulated Screen
  • 6220k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 800g. 142 x 93 x 46 mm

Leica Q2 Monochrom Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2019-03-07
  • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 100000
  • 28 mm f1.70 Prime Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3680k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (DCI) - 4096 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 734g. 130 x 80 x 92 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Zeiss ZX1 over Leica Q2 Monochrom
LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
Number of Focus Points
255 vs 49 206 more focus points
LCD Screen Size
4.34" vs 3 1.34 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
2.765k dots vs 1.040k dots 165% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/8000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Tele
35mm vs 28mm 7 mm longer tele reach
Viewfinder Resolution
6220.8k dot vs 3680k dot 69% higher resolution
Sensor Pixel Area
23.11µm2 vs 18.49µm2 24% larger pixel area
CHECK ZX1 PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica Q2 Monochrom over Zeiss ZX1
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max Sensor Resolution
47 MP vs 37 MP 27% more pixels
Max ISO
100.000 vs 51.200 95% higher Max ISO
Continuous Shooting
20.0fps vs 3.0fps 17 fps faster
Weight
734 g vs 800 g 66 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Focal Length - Wide
28mm vs 35mm 7 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
1.70 vs 2.00 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
1.70 vs 2.00 faster lens at tele
Max Video Resolution
4096 x 2160 vs 3840 x 2160 Higher Resolution Video
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone
UHS Card Support
UHS-II vs none Read/Write in High Speeds
CHECK Q2 Monochrom PRICE

Common Strengths of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Yes vs Yes Connect to other devices via Bluetooth
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 47 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 1.70 Fast lenses at tele
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Common Weaknesses of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Focal Length - Tele
35mm vs 28mm No Tele reach
Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom: 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 Leica Q2 Monochrom side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. 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). Leica Q2 Monochrom has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″) and weighs 734 g (1.62 lb / 25.89 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom. Leica Q2 Monochrom is 12mm narrower and 13mm shorter than Zeiss ZX1 but it is also 46mm thicker.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom.
Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica Q2 Monochrom is 66g lighter than the Zeiss ZX1 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of Q2 Monochrom, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to ZX1.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Zeiss ZX1's 4.34" LCD screen is slightly larger than Leica Q2 Monochrom'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 Q2 Monochrom has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to ZX1.
Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom: Sensor Comparison

Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Leica Q2 Monochrom has a 47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .

Leica Q2 Monochrom's sensor provides 10MP more than Zeiss ZX1'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.

One other difference between these two cameras that is worth mentioning is that Leica Q2 Monochrom's sensor doesn't have an anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the ZX1 and Q2 Monochrom sensor size comparison.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Cameras


Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Zeiss ZX1 has 24% larger pixel area compared to Leica Q2 Monochrom, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Lens Specs Comparison

Zeiss ZX1 features a 35 mm F2 Prime lens whereas Leica Q2 Monochrom features a 28 mm F1.7 Prime lens.

Leica Q2 Monochrom has 7mm wider coverage than the Zeiss ZX1. At f1.70, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Zeiss ZX1 has 7mm longer reach than the Leica Q2 Monochrom. However, with a max aperture of f1.70, Leica Q2 Monochrom is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZX1
Q2 Monochrom
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Zeiss ZX1 and Leica Q2 Monochrom 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

Leica Q2 Monochrom for Portrait Photography

GOOD
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
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Street Photography

GOOD

Leica Q2 Monochrom 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
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.70
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q2 Monochrom 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
Fast Continuous Shooting: 20.0fps
Environmental Sealings
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
28 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Leica Q2 Monochrom for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
800g
Body Thickness 46mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
734g
Body Thickness 92mm
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q2 Monochrom for Landscape Photography

GOOD
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
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Environmental Sealings
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Zeiss ZX1 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom: 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 Leica Q2 Monochrom, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 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 Leica Q2 Monochrom scores compare:

Zeiss ZX1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #3 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #89 out of 1244 in all Cameras
Leica Q2 Monochrom
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #7 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #169 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Zeiss ZX1 has a higher Overall Score than the Leica Q2 Monochrom. It also has more features, more compact body and offers higher value for the money. But there is one area that ZX1 trails behind the Q2 Monochrom: Imaging.
If image quality is the most important aspect in a camera, choose the Leica Q2 Monochrom. If not, we recommend the Zeiss ZX1.

Zeiss ZX1
Zeiss ZX1
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Leica Q2 Monochrom
Leica Q2 Monochrom
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Leica Q2 Monochrom vs Zeiss ZX1 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Zeiss ZX1 Leica Q2 Monochrom
Brand Zeiss Leica
Announced 2018-09-27 2019-03-07
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 864.00mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 37 megapixels 47 megapixels
Max Resolution 7488 x 4992 8368 x 5584
Max Native Light sensitivity 51,200 ISO 100,000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 100 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 49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 35 mm () 28 mm (1x)
Max Aperture F2 F1.7
Macro Focus Range n/a 17cm
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fixed type
Size 4.34" 3.00"
Resolution 2,765k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 6,221k dots 3,680k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification n/a 0.76x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter n/a 1/40000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization No Optical
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync n/a 1/500s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps 20.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 4096 x 2160
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 734g
Dimensions 142 x 93 x 46mm 130 x 80 x 92mm
Battery Life n/a 350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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