Sony A7R vs Zeiss ZX1
78 Imaging
72 Features
76 Overall
73
67 Imaging
76 Features
62 Overall
70
Sony A7R vs Zeiss ZX1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 465g - 127 x 94 x 48mm
- Launched February 2014
- Renewed by Sony A7R II
(Full Review)
- 37MP - Full frame Sensor
- 4.34" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 80 - 51200
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- 35mm (F2-22) lens
- 800g - 142 x 93 x 46mm
- Revealed September 2018
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On this page, we will be reviewing the Sony A7R and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Sony and Zeiss. The image resolution of the A7R (36MP) and the ZX1 (37MP) is pretty close and both cameras boast the same sensor size (Full frame).
Photography GlossaryThe A7R was released 5 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.
Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the A7R grades vs the ZX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha A7R and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Sony A7R Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Sony A7R over the Zeiss ZX1
| A7R | ZX1 |
|---|
Reasons to pick Zeiss ZX1 over the Sony A7R
| ZX1 | A7R | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | September 2018 | February 2014 | More recent by 56 months | |
| Screen type | Fully Articulated | Tilting | Fully Articulating screen | |
| Screen dimensions | 4.34" | 3" | Bigger screen (+1.34") | |
| Screen resolution | 2765k | 1230k | Crisper screen (+1535k dot) | |
| Touch screen | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Sony A7R and Zeiss ZX1
| A7R | ZX1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Very accurate focusing | |||
| Selfie screen | Neither has selfie screen |
Sony A7R vs Zeiss ZX1 Physical Comparison
In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Sony A7R has outer measurements of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") and a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
Check the Sony A7R and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the A7R against the ZX1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the A7R and ZX1 is 78 and 67 respectively.
Sony A7R vs Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the A7R and ZX1.
As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Zeiss ZX1 to result in greater detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older A7R will be behind in sensor innovation.
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Sony A7R vs Zeiss ZX1 Specifications
| Sony Alpha A7R | Zeiss ZX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Sony | Zeiss |
| Model | Sony Alpha A7R | Zeiss ZX1 |
| Class | Pro Mirrorless | Large Sensor Compact |
| Launched | 2014-02-13 | 2018-09-27 |
| Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | Large Sensor Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Chip | Bionz X | - |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor measurements | 35.9 x 24mm | 36 x 24mm |
| Sensor area | 861.6mm² | 864.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 36MP | 37MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 |
| Peak resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 7488 x 4992 |
| Highest native ISO | 25600 | 51200 |
| Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
| RAW files | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Number of focus points | 25 | 255 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Sony E | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | - | 35mm (1x) |
| Maximum aperture | - | f/2-22 |
| Amount of lenses | 121 | - |
| Focal length multiplier | 1 | 1 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Tilting | Fully Articulated |
| Screen sizing | 3 inch | 4.34 inch |
| Screen resolution | 1,230k dots | 2,765k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch friendly | ||
| Screen tech | Xtra Fine LCD | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,359k dots | 6,221k dots |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.71x | - |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 4.0fps | 3.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
| Flash settings | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash synchronize | 1/160 secs | - |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 465 grams (1.03 lb) | 800 grams (1.76 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 127 x 94 x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") | 142 x 93 x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | 95 | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | 25.6 | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 14.1 | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | 2746 | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 340 photos | - |
| Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery model | NP-FW50 | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures)) | Yes |
| Time lapse shooting | With downloadable app | |
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo | 512GB internal |
| Card slots | One | One |
| Launch cost | $1,898 | - |