Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Zeiss ZX1

Lets take a closer look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Ricoh and Zeiss. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and ZX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The GR Digital IV was released 8 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the GR Digital IV grades versus the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital IV features physical measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions 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 Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the GR Digital IV compared to the ZX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and ZX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR Digital IV and ZX1.

As you can tell, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 27 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older GR Digital IV is going to be behind in sensor innovation.