Sony HX20V vs Zeiss ZX1

Lets take a deeper look at the Sony HX20V and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Sony and Zeiss. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the HX20V (18MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the HX20V (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The HX20V was unveiled 7 years prior to the ZX1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the HX20V grades vs the ZX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are available at Sony HX20V Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX20V offers outside measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Sony HX20V and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the HX20V and the ZX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the HX20V and ZX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the HX20V and ZX1.

As you can see, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The HX20V having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will give you greater detail having an extra 19 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The older HX20V is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.