Pentax X90 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here, we will be matching up the Pentax X90 and Zeiss ZX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Zeiss. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The X90 was revealed 9 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the X90 scores vs the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 & Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are available at Pentax X90 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax X90 provides outside dimensions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") having a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Pentax X90 and Zeiss ZX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the X90 against the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and ZX1 is 69 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing specifications. The visual here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and ZX1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The X90 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will render greater detail because of its extra 25 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older X90 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.