Sony NEX-5R vs Zeiss ZX1

Below is a detailed overview of the Sony NEX-5R vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Sony and Zeiss. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the NEX-5R (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the NEX-5R (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) provide different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-5R was released 7 years prior to the ZX1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the NEX-5R grades against the ZX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-5R and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-5R Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-5R features exterior measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-5R vs Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the NEX-5R against the ZX1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-5R and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-5R and ZX1.

As you can see, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-5R due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 21MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older NEX-5R is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.