Panasonic FP1 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic FP1 and Zeiss ZX1, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Zeiss. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FP1 was brought out 9 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FP1 grades against the ZX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP1 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP1 and Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the FP1 vs the ZX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and ZX1 is 95 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FP1 and ZX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide you with more detail having its extra 25 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FP1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.