Pentax E90 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here is a detailed overview of the Pentax E90 and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Zeiss. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the E90 (10MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E90 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E90 was announced 9 years prior to the ZX1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the E90 grades vs the ZX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E90 and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax E90 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax E90 has got exterior measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Pentax E90 and Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E90 vs the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E90 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The visual here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E90 and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E90 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will result in extra detail with its extra 27 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E90 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.