Olympus E-PL6 vs Zeiss ZX1

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL6 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 large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL6 was launched 5 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL6 scores versus the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL6 has exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has measurements of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL6 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL6 against the ZX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and ZX1 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and ZX1.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Zeiss ZX1 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 21MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older E-PL6 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.