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  • BLOG

Zeiss ZX1 Review

  • Review
  • Specs
  • Alternatives
  • Zeiss ZX1

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    Main Features

    • 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 at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 800g. 142 x 93 x 46 mm
    CHECK PRICE
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    Zeiss ZX1 Overview

    First introduced in September 2018 , Zeiss ZX1 is a 37.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, Fully articulated touch screen and 35 mm F2 lens.

    Zeiss ZX1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Recommended Accessories
    12. Alternatives
    13. Popular Comparisons
    14. Frequently Asked Questions
    15. Detailed Specifications

    Zeiss ZX1 is the latest member of Zeiss's Large Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Zeiss Large Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Zeiss ZX1
    September 2018 37.0MP - Full frame 3.0 fps 142 x 93 x 46mm 800g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Zeiss ZX1

    Alternative Model names found for Zeiss ZX1: ZX 1, ZX-1 and Z X1.


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Zeiss ZX1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Zeiss ZX1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Articulating Screen
    External Flash Shoe
    4K (UHD) Video
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    37.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    51.200 Max ISO
    255 Focus Points
    Large 4.34" Screen
    2.765k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    512GB Internal Storage
    Fast 2.00 Lens at Wide
    Fast 2.00 Lens at Tele
    6220.8kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    AE Bracketing
    USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
    Report a correction

    Buy Zeiss ZX1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Heavy Body: 800
    No Environmental Sealing

    Report a correction


    Zeiss ZX1 Physical Specs
    Zeiss ZX1 weighs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) and has external dimensions of 142 x 93 x 46 mm (5.59 x 3.66 x 1.81″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 402g, Zeiss ZX1 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. On the other hand, with a thickness of only 46mm, it is quite small, 10mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Zeiss ZX1
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Zeiss ZX1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Zeiss ZX1 with the dimensions:

    Zeiss ZX1 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Zeiss ZX1 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Zeiss ZX1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Zeiss ZX1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Zeiss ZX1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Zeiss ZX1 with its main competitors:

    Zeiss ZX1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs ZX1 Thickness vs ZX1
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Hasselblad X1D
    Compare
    725g 75g lighter 71mm 25mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    734g 66g lighter 92mm 46mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Sony ZV-1
    Compare
    294g 506g lighter 44mm 2mm thinner
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Leica Q3
    Compare
    743g 57g lighter 93mm 47mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    507g 293g lighter 72mm 26mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Panasonic LX100 II
    Compare
    392g 408g lighter 64mm 18mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    478g 322g lighter 53mm 7mm thicker
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Samsung Galaxy Camera
    Compare
    300g 500g lighter 19mm 27mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Zeiss ZX1 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Zeiss ZX1 Lens

    Zeiss ZX1 features a 35 mm F2 Prime lens. This prime lens makes ZX1 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.

    Wide Coverage

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    ZX1
    Widest - Sony ZV-1 II
    Average
    Telezoom

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    ZX1
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    ZX1
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    ZX1
    Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
    Average

    Zeiss ZX1's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Zeiss ZX1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Zeiss ZX1 has a 37.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 7488 x 4992 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. ZX1 has a native ISO range of 80 - 51200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Zeiss ZX1 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R V with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Zeiss ZX1 vs Sony A7R V or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Zeiss ZX1's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Zeiss ZX1 LCD and Viewfinder

    Zeiss ZX1 has a Fully Articulated 4.34-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2,765k dots. Articulated screens are more video oriented compared to only tilting or fixed screens. On the other hand, photography oriented users generally prefer tilting screens. The Zeiss ZX1's 4.34" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Zeiss ZX1 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Zeiss ZX1 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    ZX1 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 6,221kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Zeiss ZX1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Zeiss ZX1 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11ac + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. Zeiss ZX1's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it.

    You can connect ZX1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

    Zeiss ZX1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Hasselblad X1D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Sony ZV-1
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 260shots Yes Yes No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Leica Q3
    Compare
    8192 x 4320 350shots Yes Yes No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Panasonic LX100 II
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes Yes No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 420shots Yes Yes No
    Zeiss ZX1 Camera Samsung Galaxy Camera
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No

    Zeiss ZX1 Video Features

    With Zeiss ZX1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Zeiss ZX1's 4K is the common standard resolution in consumer video world.

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Zeiss ZX1 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Zeiss ZX1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Zeiss ZX1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Zeiss ZX1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 3.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately ZX1 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Zeiss ZX1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 255 points to choose from.

    Zeiss ZX1 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Zeiss ZX1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Zeiss ZX1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Zeiss ZX1 for Portrait Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 has a score of 68 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    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 of how we scored Zeiss ZX1 for Portrait Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 for Street Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 has a score of 73 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage

    Read the details of how we scored Zeiss ZX1 for Street Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 for Sports Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 has a score of 46 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    255 Focus Points
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    RAW shooting capability
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Zeiss ZX1 for Sports Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 for Daily Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 has a score of 64 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    800g
    Body Thickness 46mm

    Read the details of how we scored Zeiss ZX1 for Daily Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 for Landscape Photography

    Zeiss ZX1 has a score of 54 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    RAW shooting capability
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 37.0MP
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Zeiss ZX1 for Landscape Photography
    Zeiss ZX1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Zeiss ZX1 compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Zeiss ZX1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Zeiss ZX1

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Zeiss ZX1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Hasselblad X1D
    Hasselblad X1D
    Compare
    Leica Q2
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    Sony ZV-1
    Sony ZV-1
    Compare
    Leica Q3
    Leica Q3
    Compare
    Sony RX1R II
    Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    Panasonic LX100 II
    Panasonic LX100 II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100V
    Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    Samsung Galaxy Camer..
    Samsung Galaxy Camera
    Compare

    Zeiss ZX1 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare the Zeiss ZX1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Zeiss ZX1's price range.

    Zeiss ZX1 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Zeiss ZX1 has an Overall Score of 72/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Zeiss ZX1 is ranked #7 out of 64 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #181 out of 1275 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #181 out of 1275 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #7 out of 64 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #7 out of 66 in Top Ranking Large Sensor Compact Cameras
    #72 out of 106 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
    #9 out of 10 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Full frame sensor(800g)
    #77 out of 157 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fully Articulated Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Zeiss ZX1
    Zeiss ZX1
    CHECK PRICE

    CHECK PRICE

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Zeiss ZX1
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have RAW support?
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Zeiss ZX1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Zeiss ZX1?
    is the Zeiss ZX1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Zeiss ZX1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Zeiss ZX1?
    What is the Weight of Zeiss ZX1?
    What are the Dimensions of Zeiss ZX1?
    Zeiss ZX1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Zeiss
    Model Zeiss ZX1
    Announced 2018-09-27
    Body Type Large sensor compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 35 mm ()
    Max Aperture F2
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 4.34"
    Screen Resolution 2,765k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 6,221k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 37 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 7488 x 4992
    Max Native ISO 51,200
    Min Native ISO 80
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 800g
    Physical Dimensions 142 x 93 x 46mm
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type 512GB internal
    Storage Slots 1
    Report a correction


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