Sony RX1R II vs Zeiss ZX1: A Tale of Two Large-Sensor Compacts

In the realm of large sensor compact cameras, two fascinating contenders stand out in recent memory: Sony’s trailblazer, the RX1R II, announced in late 2015, and the rather enigmatic, feature-rich Zeiss ZX1, which arrived in 2018 with promises of a revolutionary approach to photography. Both sport full-frame sensors and a fixed 35mm lens, catering to enthusiasts and professionals who crave pocketable size without compromising image quality.

Having spent extensive time shooting with both cameras, peeling back their tech layers, and testing them in a range of shooting conditions (from the unpredictable buzz of street photography to the meticulous craft of portraiture), I’m eager to guide you through an in-depth comparison. Which camera suits which photographer, and how do their capabilities and limitations shape up when put side by side?

Let’s dive in.

Getting Under the Skin: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and size plus handling play a pivotal role in how a camera feels in daily use. The RX1R II is a classic large sensor compact - relatively small and thoughtfully designed. The Zeiss ZX1 aims to ambitiously merge camera and post-processing powerhouse in a single device, but this has consequences.

Sony’s RX1R II measures 113 × 65 × 72 mm and tips the scales at 507 grams, manageable for a full-frame sensor camera with an integrated 35mm f/2 lens. The grip is subtle yet reassuring, suiting shooters who prize discretion and a lightweight tool that can tag along everywhere.

The ZX1 is notably larger and heavier: 142 × 93 × 46 mm and 800 grams - making it more akin to a compact system or traditional DSLR in heft, albeit with a slimmer profile. Handling this camera will feel less like slipping into a jacket pocket and more like donning a dedicated piece of kit. Part of the additional volume is consumed by that unconventional built-in 512GB internal storage and the sizeable battery, plus a larger fully articulated touchscreen.

Ergonomically, while Sony’s layout is classic and intuitive, Zeiss leans heavily into touchscreen controls - which may delight some but frustrate others who appreciate physical dials. We’ll examine controls more deeply a bit later, but suffice it to say the RX1R II remains the winner in pure tactile comfort and portability. For street and travel photographers prioritizing low weight, the RX1R II will feel far less intrusive.

Visual Command Center: Top and Rear Controls

How each camera integrates controls and feedback mechanisms is crucial after prolonged shoots.

Sony’s Jason Bourne-like approach to tactile control means dials and buttons on the RX1R II are sensibly positioned around a modest footprint. The top plate sports a shutter dial with ISO ring, exposure compensation, and a comfortable shutter release. Such physical controls allow for muscle memory to kick in - crucial when capturing fleeting street moments or decisive portraits.

Zeiss ZX1’s top view suggests a minimalist ethos - fewer physical buttons, relying instead on its 4.34-inch touchscreen interface and a few customizable buttons. The screen prominence overlaps with its function as a quasi-computer more than just a camera. Physically, this reduces direct manual control in exchange for menu-driven settings.

On the back, the RX1R II features a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23M-dot resolution, decent for framing and reviewing. The Zeiss boasts a significantly larger 4.34" fully articulated touchscreen, with a sharper 2.76M-dot display. Beyond size and resolution, the ZX1’s screen supports touch, which makes navigating its embedded Lightroom Mobile heavier editing features natural - though at a cost of increased power draw.

The RX1R II sticks to traditional buttons with no touchscreen and a built-in EVF with a 2.36M-dot OLED panel, allowing precise eye-level composition in bright environments. The ZX1 ups the ante with a superior 6.22M-dot EVF, offering razor-sharp, near-real-life detail. That’s a massive bump in viewfinder fidelity for anyone who prefers eye-level shooting in strong light.

For photographers valuing tactile feedback and quick manual shifts, the RX1R II’s layout remains straightforward and reliable. Those intrigued by an integrated touchscreen editing experience and a gloriously high-res viewfinder will find the ZX1 refreshing and futuristic - but with a learning curve that demands patience.

The Heart of the Beast: Sensor and Image Quality

Now onto what essentially makes a camera worthy of its station - the sensor and resulting image quality.

The RX1R II sports a 42MP BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 35.9 × 24 mm with no anti-aliasing filter (AA filter), ensuring the sharpest possible detail reproduction at that focal length. Sony crafted this sensor to maximize resolution and dynamic range. According to DxOMark testing, the RX1R II scores an impressive overall 97, translating to exceptional color depth (25.8 bits), dynamic range (13.9 stops), and low-light ISO performance (score 3204). Shooting with this camera reveals images rich in detail and subtle tonal gradation, superb for large prints or intensive cropping.

The Zeiss ZX1 features a 37MP full-frame CMOS sensor (36 × 24 mm) with an AA filter in place, arguably sacrificing some sharpness for moiré reduction. Its max native ISO goes a bit higher at 51200, hinting at better high-ISO performance potential, though not independently tested by DxOMark. The effective resolution is slightly lower than Sony’s but still solid for professional output.

One of the subtle but important differences lies in the AA filter. For photographers shooting predominantly portraits, landscapes, and studio work, the RX1R II’s lack of AA filter means extra micro-contrast and detail rendering - but you may have to watch for moiré in intricate patterns. The ZX1 is more cautious, providing smoother results with less risk of aliasing but trading away some crispness.

In practical shooting tests, the RX1R II excels in studio portraiture with impressively natural skin tones and razor-sharp eyes, thanks to its dynamic range and lens sharpness. Landscapes taken with it display spectacular detail and highlight retention.

The ZX1’s strengths lean more toward dynamic scenes requiring solid high-ISO performance and flexibility in post since it integrates Adobe Lightroom Classic directly - a unique selling point deserving further exploration.

Lens: The 35mm Fixed Perspective That Shapes Your Vision

Both cameras offer a fixed 35mm lens, but with clear stylistic and optical differences.

Sony’s RX1R II lens boasts a maximum aperture of f/2.0, famed for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and minimal chromatic aberration. Its macro focus range allows focusing down to 14 cm, ideal for close-up subjects, not quite macro photography but useful for detail shots. This lens’s rendering is revered for its classic ‘film-like’ look despite being a modern optic.

Zeiss ZX1’s lens has a maximum aperture range of f/2 to f/22. Though Zeiss traditionally commands respect for optical excellence, the versatility in aperture range adds workhorse practicality, especially in bright or landscape conditions where stopping down is routine for depth of field control. However, the ZX1’s closest focusing distance is not specified as macro-capable, so the RX1R II retains an edge for close-up photographers.

The fixed focal length is a love-it or leave-it affair for both cameras. That 35mm field of view is ideal for street, documentary, environmental portraits, and landscapes - flexible but demanding intention.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Meets Speed

AF speed and accuracy can be a dealbreaker, especially for wildlife, sports, and candid street shooting.

Sony utilizes a hybrid autofocus system on the RX1R II with 25 focus points combining phase and contrast detection. It supports face detection and tracking but curiously lacks animal eye AF. Continuous autofocus is absent, limiting its prowess in fast action. A single AF mode with tracking really means shooting mostly controlled or posed subjects.

Zeiss ZX1’s 255 contrast-detection autofocus points are controlled via touchscreen or physical buttons. It supports face detection but no phase detection or animal AF. Continuous and single AF modes and tracking are supported.

While both cameras lag behind modern mirrorless systems in tracking complex wildlife or sports action accurately and swiftly, in my experience, Sony’s RX1R II autofocus feels snappier and more dependable in low light and quick compositions. The ZX1’s touchscreen-centric AF interface may hamper responsiveness when rapid focus shifts are required.

For wildlife and sports shooters, neither camera is a perfect fit, but RX1R II marginally leads in precision.

Shooting Speed and Buffer: Burst Rates

Sony offers 5 fps continuous shooting, adequate for casual sports and street bursts. Zeiss ZX1 clocks 3 fps, slower but enough for deliberate captures. Neither is designed for high-speed shootouts in professional sports photography.

RX1R II’s buffer depth is modest and can fill quickly when shooting RAW. ZX1’s internal storage helps mitigate this, letting you save large files smoothly during burst sequences and post-process on the go.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance in compact cameras often underwhelms - a surprising twist in the Sony vs Zeiss story.

The RX1R II uses the NP-BX1 battery powering roughly 220 shots per charge under CIPA testing. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Sony’s Memory Stick Duo format, good for flexibility.

Zeiss ZX1 lacks published battery life numbers but employs a larger internal battery presumably to support its massive 4.34-inch touchscreen and integrated editing suite. Storage is equally unconventional: a fixed, built-in 512GB internal SSD, no card slots, locking you into the onboard storage but offering vast space and fast access.

Connectivity-wise, Sony offers Wi-Fi and NFC; Zeiss provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with USB 3.1 Gen 1 for rapid file offload. Both support HDMI output for tethered shooting or external monitors.

Video Capabilities: Subtle Differences for Hybrid Shooters

If video factors into your decision, here’s what I learned after testing:

The RX1R II outputs full HD 1080p at up to 60fps in various recording modes (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC-S). It has a microphone input but no headphone jack, lacks 4K, and no in-body stabilization.

The ZX1 upgrades to 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 30p, includes stereo Linear PCM audio but no microphone ports, limiting external audio control. No stabilization on either.

If video is a secondary pursuit, ZX1’s 4K is tempting, but both cameras are essentially photo-first tools.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or weather resistance. Dust and splash protection are non-existent officially, so careful use outdoors is advised.

Software Integration: Zeiss ZX1’s Reimagined Workflow

The ZX1’s standout trait is its unique approach. It embeds Adobe Lightroom Mobile internally. You can shoot, edit, rate, tag, and export images all within the camera - closing the gap between capture and final output.

This innovation appeals to photographers who want rapid turnaround without a laptop or phone, especially travelers or photojournalists on the go. It’s a brave step redefining what a camera OS can be.

In contrast, the RX1R II sticks to conventional SD card workflows. Sony offers tethering and side software integration, but no onboard editing.

Though the ZX1’s UI and touch controls may feel unfamiliar or sluggish at first, the concept is inspiring and ideal for those who value autonomy and immediacy.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

When it comes to portraits, the Sony RX1R II truly shines. Its f/2.0 lens and no AA filter produce incredible detail with smooth skin tone gradation. Eye detection AF helps keep subjects sharp.

The Zeiss ZX1's f/2.0 lens can be stopped down further to f/22 for depth of field control, though its autofocus and less aggressive detail capture soften the sharpness a tad. Bokeh rendition is creamy but less characterful compared to Sony’s classic styling.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Dynamic Range

Sony’s RX1R II is a landscape hero, offering exceptional dynamic range (~14 stops) to save highlight and shadow detail. The high-resolution 42MP sensor renders textures and fine foliage crisply.

Zeiss ZX1’s 37MP resolution and likely solid dynamic range are good but fall just short in highlight rolloff and shadow depth when pushing limits in RAW files.

Neither is weather sealed, so caution is due in extreme locations.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Speed

Both cameras are limited in continuous AF and burst frame rates (5 fps Sony, 3 fps Zeiss), making them less than ideal for fast-moving subjects. RX1R II’s hybrid AF performs better but still is not comparable to flagship mirrorless models built for these genres.

Street and Travel: Discretion and Companionship

Small size and quiet operation make RX1R II a stellar street camera. The discreet form factor and tactile controls mean you stay in flow. Its lack of in-body stabilization nudges handheld low-light shooting, but judicious ISO helps.

ZX1’s larger size and touchscreen reliance make it less nimble for street candid snaps but offers outstanding versatility and post-processing freedom ideal for travel photographers wanting a one-device solution.

Macro and Close-Up: Focusing Precision

RX1R II’s 14 cm minimum focus distance permits semi-macro work with solid sharpness. The ZX1 lacks clear macro capabilities, mainly serving wider subjects.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure

Sony’s RX1R II handles noise well up to ISO ~3200, revealing fine stars and nocturnal detail with manageable grain. The limited max shutter of 1/4000 second imposes a hard stop on bright light situations but suffices for astrophotography exposure durations.

The ZX1’s 51200 ISO max hints at higher sensitivity but with untested noise levels. Its electronic shutter options are less documented.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Here’s a final snapshot of how these two distinct soldiers stack up in different photography realms, illustrated visually for clarity.

And the summary DxOMark-style overall scores:

Sony RX1R II: The Purist’s Large Sensor Compact

• Image quality: Exceptionally high resolution and dynamic range; perfect for portraits, landscapes, and fine detail.
• Size & controls: Compact, lightweight, great ergonomics with physical dials.
• Autofocus: Solid single AF with face detection; less suitable for fast action.
• Video: Full HD only but adequate for casual use.
• Workflow: Straightforward traditional RAW workflow.
• Price: Around $3300 - premium but justified by quality.
• Ideal for: Professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize ultimate image quality, traditional controls, and travel-ready portability.

Zeiss ZX1: The Innovator’s Lightroom-in-a-Camera

• Image quality: Very good full-frame sensor output, with easy editing on the fly.
• Size & controls: Larger/heavier, touchscreen-focused, modern UI.
• Autofocus: Contrast detect AF with tracking; slower burst.
• Video: 4K capture for hybrid shooters.
• Workflow: Revolutionary internal editing and storage at 512GB.
• Price: Not widely available but priced as a niche flagship.
• Ideal for: Photographers who want an all-in-one shooting and editing device, willing to accept some ergonomic trade-offs for workflow freedom.

Final Reflections

Choosing between the Sony RX1R II and the Zeiss ZX1 boils down to your workflow, shooting style, and gadget appetite. If you’re a purist who wants elegant, understated excellence with a legendary lens and uncompromised image quality, Sony’s offering remains a top contender even years after introduction.

If, however, you dream of leveling up your photography by integrating capture and post-processing into sleek hardware - a model for the future - and don’t mind embracing some quirks and heft, the Zeiss ZX1 is a fascinating gamble worth trying.

No compact full-frame camera is perfect for every use case, but both represent significant milestones along different evolutionary paths in camera design.

A Gallery of Real-World Shots: See for Yourself

Images captured under varied conditions illustrate each camera’s strengths and character.

Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back Zeiss ZX1 front Zeiss ZX1 screen back

From sharp street portraits to textured landscapes and low-light abstractions, the RX1R II’s optical prowess and Sony’s sensor optimization shine. The ZX1 shows its worth in versatile scenes and vibrant 4K video frames.

If you’re considering investing thousands into a compact full-frame like these, it pays to test both - or at least carefully weigh your priorities. In either case, you’re investing in serious photographic craftsmanship.

Happy shooting!