Olympus E-PL1 vs Zeiss ZX1

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Zeiss ZX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Zeiss. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 9 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1 versus the ZX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and ZX1 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The graphic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and ZX1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide extra detail due to its extra 25MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind in sensor tech.