Panasonic ZS7 vs Zeiss ZX1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS7 vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Zeiss. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS7 was launched 8 years before the ZX1 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS7 scores against the ZX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS7 has got physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS7 vs Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS7 vs the ZX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS7 and ZX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The visual below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS7 and ZX1.

All in all, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS7 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 25MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older ZS7 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.