Ricoh CX2 vs Zeiss ZX1

In this article, we are evaluating the Ricoh CX2 versus Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Ricoh and Zeiss. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the CX2 (9MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the CX2 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The CX2 was released 10 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX2 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a short overview of how the CX2 matches up against the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX2 and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh CX2 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX2 has outside measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Ricoh CX2 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the CX2 vs the ZX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the CX2 and ZX1 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing specifications. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the CX2 and ZX1.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The CX2 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 28 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older CX2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.