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Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1

Portability
65
Imaging
73
Features
93
Overall
81
Sony Alpha A9 front
 
Zeiss ZX1 front
Portability
67
Imaging
78
Features
62
Overall
71

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Key Specs

Sony A9
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Raise to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 673g - 127 x 96 x 63mm
  • Launched April 2017
  • Renewed by Sony A9 II
Zeiss ZX1
(Full Review)
  • 37MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 4.34" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 80 - 51200
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 35mm (F2-22) lens
  • 800g - 142 x 93 x 46mm
  • Introduced September 2018
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Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Overview

On this page, we are evaluating the Sony A9 versus Zeiss ZX1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Sony and Zeiss. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the A9 (24MP) and ZX1 (37MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor size (Full frame).

Photography Glossary

The A9 was introduced 17 months before the ZX1 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the A9 grades versus the ZX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Sony A9 over the Zeiss ZX1

 A9 ZX1 

Reasons to pick Zeiss ZX1 over the Sony A9

 ZX1 A9 
IntroducedSeptember 2018April 2017Fresher by 17 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedTiltingFully Articulating display
Display dimensions4.34"3"Larger display (+1.34")
Display resolution2765k1440kClearer display (+1325k dot)

Common features in the Sony A9 and Zeiss ZX1

 A9 ZX1 
Focus manually Dial exact focus
Selfie screen No selfie screen
Touch friendly display Easily navigate

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Physical Comparison

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Sony A9 comes with outside measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") with a weight of 673 grams (1.48 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).

Analyze the Sony A9 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the A9 and the ZX1.

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A9 and ZX1 is 65 and 67 respectively.

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 top view buttons comparison

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Sensor Comparison

Normally, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at specs. The visual below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the A9 and ZX1.

All in all, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should anticipate the Zeiss ZX1 to give greater detail using its extra 13 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older A9 is going to be behind in sensor technology.

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 sensor size comparison

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Screen and ViewFinder

Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Sony A9 as a Portrait photography camera
Zeiss ZX1 as a Portrait photography camera
83
focusing manually
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
provides face detect focusing
supports RAW files
86
has manual focus
high resolution (37MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports face detection focus
exports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Sony A9 Street photography information
Zeiss ZX1 Street photography information
79
screen tilts up and down
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
great sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW files
comes with touch to focus
weather proof
great ISO range (51,200)
70
screen articulates fully
big sensor size (Full frame)
exports RAW files
provides touch to focus
good high ISO (51,200)
no image stabilization
more heavy than competition (800g)
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Sports Comparison

Sony A9 Sports photography features
Zeiss ZX1 Sports photography features
86
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
silent mode (1/32,000s)
high fps (20.0 frames per second)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor resolution is decent (24MP)
great sensor size (Full frame)
provides tracking focus
weather proof
good battery pack (650 per charge)
comes with phase detect AF
64
great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
high resolution (37MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports tracking autofocus
focal length is fixed (35mm)
slow fps (3.0 fps)
no image stabilization
does not have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Sony A9
Travel photography with Zeiss ZX1
73
good battery pack (650 shots)
weather proof
has bluetooth
comes with touch to focus
sensor resolution is decent (24MP)
does not offer selfie friendly screen
65
connects via bluetooth
provides touch to focus
high resolution (37 megapixels)
good maximum aperture (f2)
lack of Timelapse recording
more heavy than competition (800g)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Sony A9 Landscape photography info
Zeiss ZX1 Landscape photography info
85
focusing manually
swap lenses (Sony E mount)
nice screen size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor resolution is decent (24MP)
great sensor size (Full frame)
great ISO range (51,200)
supports RAW files
weather proof
good battery pack (650 shots)
2 card slots
69
has manual focus
good maximum aperture (f2)
big screen (4.34 inches)
high resolution (37 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
good high ISO (51,200)
exports RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (35mm)
no image stabilization
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Sony A9
Vlogging with Zeiss ZX1
36
touch screen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
provides face detect focusing
video res high (3840 x 2160 pixels)
does have mic support
does not offer selfie friendly screen
31
good maximum aperture (f2)
touchscreen capability
supports face detection focus
video res high (3840 x 2160 pixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
no image stabilization
lack of external microphone jack
more heavy than competition (800g)
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Sony A9 vs Zeiss ZX1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sony A9 and Zeiss ZX1
 Sony Alpha A9Zeiss ZX1
General Information
Company Sony Zeiss
Model Sony Alpha A9 Zeiss ZX1
Class Pro Mirrorless Large Sensor Compact
Launched 2017-04-19 2018-09-27
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Chip BIONZ X -
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 35.6 x 23.8mm 36 x 24mm
Sensor area 847.3mm² 864.0mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixels 37 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Maximum resolution 6000 x 4000 7488 x 4992
Maximum native ISO 51200 51200
Maximum boosted ISO 204800 -
Min native ISO 100 80
RAW data
Min boosted ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 693 255
Lens
Lens mounting type Sony E fixed lens
Lens focal range - 35mm (1x)
Max aperture - f/2-22
Amount of lenses 121 -
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Display type Tilting Fully Articulated
Display diagonal 3" 4.34"
Display resolution 1,440k dot 2,765k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,686k dot 6,221k dot
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.78x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/8000 secs
Highest quiet shutter speed 1/32000 secs -
Continuous shooting speed 20.0 frames per second 3.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash settings Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync no built-in flash
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions - 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Maximum video resolution 3840x2160 3840x2160
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
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
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 673 grams (1.48 pounds) 800 grams (1.76 pounds)
Physical dimensions 127 x 96 x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") 142 x 93 x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 92 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 24.9 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 13.3 not tested
DXO Low light score 3517 not tested
Other
Battery life 650 shots -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model NP-FZ100 -
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs + continuous) Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) 512GB internal
Storage slots 2 Single
Retail pricing $4,498 -