Sony A290 vs Zeiss ZX1

On this page, we are contrasting the Sony A290 versus Zeiss ZX1, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Sony and Zeiss. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the A290 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the A290 (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The A290 was brought out 9 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the A290 scores vs the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 & Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are available at Sony A290 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sony A290 provides exterior measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Sony A290 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the A290 compared to the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the A290 and ZX1 is 66 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The photograph here should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the A290 and ZX1.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A290 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 23 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The older A290 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.