Two Large Sensor Compacts, Worlds Apart: Sigma DP2x vs Zeiss ZX1 – A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, a rare breed of photographic tools serves those who want exceptional image quality without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. Today, I want to take you through an immersive and practical comparison of two such distinctive cameras that offer very different takes on that promise: the venerable Sigma DP2x, introduced in 2011, and the much newer, bold-in-ambition Zeiss ZX1 from 2018. Two large sensor compacts, both with fixed lenses, yet separated by nearly a decade of technological leaps.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years and spent days shooting with each of these models, I’ll share hands-on insights on how they perform across genres, their tech DNA, and ultimately, who each is truly for. There’s plenty surprising here, especially about image quality, usability, and value propositions, so let’s dive right in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compactness Meets Usability

From the outset, Sigma and Zeiss took dramatically different ergonomic routes. The Sigma DP2x is a compact, pocketable APS-C sensor camera with dimensions of 113x60x56mm and a weight of just 280g. It feels very much a digital evolution of a high-grade point-and-shoot and is easily slipped into a jacket pocket, making it a quiet companion for street or travel photography.

On the other hand, the Zeiss ZX1 is a much bigger beast at 142x93x46mm and weighs over 800g. That bulk borders on mirrorless territory, more like a rugged travel camera than a pocket camera. But that larger body houses a bigger sensor (full-frame), a gorgeous articulated touchscreen display, and an integrated Adobe Lightroom workflow (more on that later). Despite its size, the ZX1’s grip and button placement encourage an almost traditional DSLR-esque hold with confident manual control.

Ergonomically, the DP2x opts for a minimalist approach - a small 2.5-inch fixed screen, no viewfinder, few buttons, and limited knobs. It feels understated but requires going into menus often. Not exactly ideal for fast-paced action, but it suits contemplative shooting.

Conversely, the ZX1’s touchscreen and plentiful control options rival modern mirrorless designs - a welcome clarity in user interface for anyone who prioritizes direct manipulation over menu diving. The fully articulated 4.34-inch, 2765k-dot touchscreen is a standout in this category, letting you preview and adjust with fluidity unseen in the DP2x.

So, for pure portability and discrete shooting, the DP2x still wins. But for handling, interface, and ease of use - especially in demanding scenarios - the ZX1 sets a new standard for large sensor compacts.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: From Foveon’s Quirks to Full-Frame Precision

Here’s where the cameras’ philosophies diverge even further. The DP2x employs Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 CMOS sensor with dimensions measuring approximately 20.7x13.8mm, making for an APS-C sized sensor area around 286mm². The Foveon sensor is unique because it uses layered photodiodes to capture red, green, and blue color information in separate silicon layers, promising rich colors and impressive sharpness without the need for an anti-aliasing filter.

However, the DP2x’s sensor resolution is “only” about 5 megapixels, with an actual output of 2640x1760 pixels. Those who treasure pixel-peeping may find this limiting, especially in terms of print sizes or cropping flexibility.

By contrast, the ZX1 sports a full-frame 36x24mm CMOS sensor with an enormous area of 864mm² and a true 37-megapixel resolution (7488x4992 pixels). This sensor captures jaw-dropping detail and dynamic range, and the camera supports ISOs from 80 to 51200. In practical use, the ZX1 produces images that outperform the DP2x by significant margins in low light, crop potential, and tonal gradations.

Throughout my testing, the DP2x’s images have a somewhat painterly, analog feel - subjectively beautiful but less versatile on a technical level. The Zeiss ZX1, though, stands out for clean, finely detailed files with broad exposure latitude that appeals to professionals who demand technical excellence.

The Lens Factor: Fixed Primes with Distinct Personalities

Both cameras use fixed lenses, a hallmark of large sensor compacts aiming to deliver ultimate image quality without zoom compromises.

• Sigma DP2x: 41mm equivalent, with a 1.7x crop factor from the APS-C sensor. The lens rendition is sharp and contrasty, especially wide open, but limited in terms of creative framing - no zoom or close-up macro abilities - which can feel restrictive.

• Zeiss ZX1: 35mm fixed lens with a maximum aperture of f/2, stopping down to f/22. This classic focal length is versatile for street, documentary, travel, and portraits. The lens is beautifully sharp edge-to-edge, with natural bokeh and excellent control over depth of field.

If you want a straightforward, “set it and forget it” compact, the DP2x’s 41mm is pleasurable but niche. Alternatively, the ZX1’s 35mm f/2 is a nearly perfect all-rounder for professionals requiring consistent performance and the flexibility to stop down or go wide open for shallow depth of field portraits.

Autofocus and Performance: Waiting vs Getting It Right

The DP2x is a bit of a relic when it comes to autofocus. It uses contrast-detection only autofocus with no face detection, no continuous or tracking autofocus, and only a single AF point centered in the frame. This makes it painfully slow and sometimes inaccurate for anything except static subjects under good lighting.

The ZX1 ramps things up with a 255-point AF system relying on contrast detection with AI-driven face detection and tracking, plus selectable focus areas. It supports continuous and tracking autofocus modes, making it capable of handling dynamic scenes - wildlife or sports photography - albeit at a modest 3fps continuous shooting rate.

While neither camera is designed to chase fast action shots, there’s no contest: the ZX1’s autofocus system, although not mirrorless-grade quick, is far more reliable and versatile for a broader array of shooting scenarios.

Screen and Viewfinder: From Basic LCD to Fully Articulated Touch Control + Electronic EVF

The DP2x’s fixed rear screen is tiny at 2.5 inches, 230k dots resolution, and without any touchscreen. It’s functional for framing and reviewing pictures but doesn’t assist much in making fine manual adjustments - you’ll be relying on buttons and menus mostly.

In stark contrast, the ZX1 boasts a gorgeous, fully articulating 4.34-inch touchscreen LCD with 2765k dots - one of the sharpest and largest screens on any large sensor compact to date. It provides intuitive touchscreen focus, scrolling, zooming, and in-camera RAW processing controls. Plus, it has a 6221-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, a tool any serious shooter will appreciate in bright daylight or when needing precise composition.

If you value digital control and image previewing power in a compact, the ZX1 wins by miles.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

Neither camera claims weather sealing, which is common for large sensor compacts aiming at portability rather than rugged adventure use. The DP2x is light and delicate-feeling with a plastic-heavy build, whereas the ZX1 feels more robust and finely engineered, with a solid chassis worthy of its higher price point.

While I wouldn’t fully trust either under heavy rain or dust storms, the ZX1’s build does inspire more confidence for general use and frequent handling.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Here is where the older DP2x’s limitations become painfully evident:

• It uses standard SD/SDHC memory cards, with one storage slot.
• Connectivity is basic USB 2.0, with no WiFi, Bluetooth, or any wireless features.
• Tough to find precise battery life data, but reviews indicate quite limited endurance.

The Zeiss ZX1, meanwhile, is more modern:

• It offers 512GB of internal storage rather than relying on removable cards - perfect for heavy RAW and 4K video files but a limitation if you want physical media swapping.
• Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing tethering, image sharing, and updates.
• USB 3.1 for data transfer and a full-sized HDMI port for previewing.
• Battery life is better but still modest given the large screen and processing power demands.

If connectivity and convenience are priorities, the ZX1 again has a massive advantage.

Photography Disciplines: How These Cameras Perform in Real-World Scenarios

Now, the moment many have been waiting for - how do these two cameras hold up across genres?

Portrait Photography: Colors, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The DP2x’s Foveon sensor has a cult following for its skin tone rendition. Its layered RGB capture can produce natural and nuanced skin hues, avoiding some oversaturation or artificiality common in other sensors. However, its fixed 41mm lens (about 41mm real focal length, moderate aperture) provides limited background separation, so bokeh is subtle and somewhat clinical.

No autofocus face or eye detection means you must manually nail focus - which is manageable for posed portraits but tricky for anything candid or informal.

The ZX1’s 35mm f/2 lens delivers smoother bokeh and better subject separation. This, combined with face and eye detection AF, results in higher success rates for tack-sharp portraits even in low light or motion. Plus, the 37MP full-frame sensor’s resolution means you can crop for tighter framing post-shoot.

If portraits are your primary concern, especially environmental or candid styles, the Zeiss ZX1 is a clear winner.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Considerations

The DP2x’s APS-C Foveon sensor delivers moderate resolution (5MP output), which is somewhat limiting for huge prints or heavy cropping. Landscape shooters needing fine detail and flexible crops may find this inadequate.

The Sigma’s color rendition is unique, though, yielding a painterly quality in green and blue hues that some landscape shooters treasure.

The ZX1’s 37MP full-frame sensor shines on dynamic range and resolution - delivering immense detail, clean shadows, and natural highlight rolloff. This makes fine printing or cropping safe and satisfying.

Neither camera is weather-sealed but the ZX1’s build is sturdier. Its zoom lens is fixed at 35mm, so landscapes requiring wider angles or telephoto framing need adapting your style.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Performance, and Burst

Neither camera is designed primarily for wildlife. The DP2x’s slow, single-point contrast-detection AF and limited burst of 3fps make it ill-suited.

The ZX1’s similarly modest 3fps continuous speed limits its use for fast action, though its superior AF tracking and face detection aid in following living subjects at close distances.

Neither has telephoto zooms (both fixed lens), so wildlife enthusiasts will likely use dedicated systems.

Sports Photography: Tracking, Low Light, and Frame Rates

Again, limitations abound. Neither the DP2x nor ZX1 can sustain the high frame rates and low-latency AF tracking demanded by professional sports shooters. The ZX1 is marginally better with improved AF algorithms.

Low-light capability is poor on the DP2x (ISO max 3200 native) making night sports challenging. The ZX1’s high-ISO reach up to 51200 gives it more flexibility.

Still, neither is recommended for serious sports work.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low Light Performance, and Portability

This is where things get interesting.

The DP2x’s small size and quiet operation make it discreet - prime traits for street shooters valuing subtlety. However, slow autofocus and lack of face detection add frustration in fast-changing scenes.

The ZX1’s larger size makes it less discreet, but the silent electronic shutter (up to 1/8000 sec) helps, as does reliable autofocus and excellent high ISO performance for low light.

In terms of portability, the DP2x wins hands down, but the ZX1 offers many technical advantages better suited to a photographer willing to trade size for speed and image quality.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, and Stabilization

Neither camera is optimized for macro work. The DP2x lacks close-focusing capabilities, and without image stabilization or focus stacking, it’s limited to standard close-up use.

The ZX1 also lacks macro focus range and image stabilization. However, its touchscreen and contrast-detect AF do assist in precise manual focusing, making it marginally more capable in this niche.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

The DP2x’s top native ISO is 3200, which is low by modern standards, and noise control is evident at higher settings. The small sensor size and limited dynamic range hurt its performance for astro.

The ZX1’s 37MP full frame sensor, max ISO 51200, and native 30-second shutter speed allow for solid night shooting, although longer exposures needed for true astrophotography require external remote triggering (which the ZX1 lacks).

Still, for casual night scenes or urban night photography, the ZX1 is well ahead.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Looking at video, DP2x can only shoot 320x240@ frame rates typical of 2011 in Motion JPEG format - essentially unusable for modern standards except experimental use.

The ZX1 supports 3840x2160 (4K) video at 30p in H.264, along with linear PCM audio. While there is no external microphone input or headphone monitoring, the video quality is capable for social media or projects. Neither camera has built-in image stabilization, which affects handheld shooting smoothness.

Travel and Everyday Versatility: Battery, Size, and Flexibility

The DP2x’s pocketable size and simple controls make it an easy companion for light-travel scenarios focused on walking and sightseeing with modest image output needs.

In contrast, ZX1 is heavier and bigger but offers versatility through extensive internal storage, embedded Lightroom mobile workflow, and connectivity - enabling immediate editing and sharing on the go.

Battery life on both is limited - plan for spares or charging on the move.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow Integration

If professionalism means output quality and workflow efficiency:

• Sigma DP2x outputs proprietary Foveon RAW files that require specific software like Sigma Photo Pro. Integration into flagship programs like Adobe Lightroom is possible but less smooth.

• Zeiss ZX1 breaks new ground by embedding Adobe Lightroom CC inside the camera, enabling seamless RAW editing and instant exporting without a computer. It outputs universally readable DNG RAW files, offering true professional flexibility.

The ZX1’s robust connectivity and modern UI deliver unmatched prospects for professionals seeking a compact backup camera or minimalistic digital solution.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Sigma DP2x screen back Zeiss ZX1 front Zeiss ZX1 screen back

Both cameras are fascinating machines in their own right - bridging distinct photographic philosophies and advancing unique sensor technologies.

• Choose the Sigma DP2x if you crave:

  • The charm of the unique Foveon sensor and its painterly color output.
  • Pocketable size for street, travel, and contemplative shooting.
  • A budget around $700 (or less on used markets).
  • Manual shooting hobbyists keen on deliberate photography.

• Choose the Zeiss ZX1 if you want:

  • Unmatched image detail, full-frame dynamic range, and flexible ISO range.
  • Integrated RAW workflow on-location with Adobe Lightroom.
  • A versatile 35mm f/2 lens and modern touchscreen user interface.
  • Solid autofocus with face detection.
  • 4K video capabilities and connected shooting.
  • To invest in innovative hybrid camera technology and workflow.

The ZX1, at its higher price and size, challenges the notion of a “compact” but does so with remarkable ambition and capability that justifies consideration from serious professionals. The DP2x remains a niche classic - perfect for passionate collectors or those who prefer a simpler, purist approach.

For most users, the ZX1’s technological edge in sensor, autofocus, interface, and in-camera editing makes it the more future-proof option, especially if budget and size are manageable.

Closing Thoughts

Comparing the DP2x and ZX1 underscores how much camera technology has evolved in 7 years. While both will charm enthusiasts, the ZX1 feels like the camera the DP2x wanted to be - faster, smarter, and infinitely more versatile.

As always, I encourage testing cameras yourself if possible, especially for fit and handling. Technical specs don’t tell the full story without that tactile connection.

Thanks for reading - may your next camera bring you as much joy and satisfaction as these two have brought me during testing sessions!

If you want to see these cameras in action, check out my detailed video reviews, and I’ll gladly answer any questions on camera choice or workflow strategies. Happy shooting!