Olympus E-P1 vs Zeiss ZX1

The following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-P1 versus Zeiss ZX1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 10 years earlier than the ZX1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-P1 scores vs the ZX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 features exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 vs the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and ZX1 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by checking technical specs. The pic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and ZX1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 25 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.