Olympus 8000 vs Zeiss ZX1

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus 8000 and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the 8000 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the 8000 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor measurements.

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The 8000 was manufactured 10 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the 8000 scores against the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 8000 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus 8000 enjoys outer measurements of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has sizing of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus 8000 and Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the 8000 against the ZX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 8000 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 8000 and ZX1.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 8000 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will produce greater detail due to its extra 25MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively. The older 8000 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.