Panasonic FH1 vs Zeiss ZX1

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic FH1 versus Zeiss ZX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Zeiss. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was introduced 9 years earlier than the ZX1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FH1 grades vs the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while 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).

Check out the Panasonic FH1 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the FH1 versus the ZX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and ZX1 is 95 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through specs. The picture below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will show more detail using its extra 25MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged FH1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.