Sony S980 vs Zeiss ZX1

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Sony S980 and Zeiss ZX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Sony and Zeiss. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the S980 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the S980 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The S980 was revealed 10 years earlier than the ZX1 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony S980 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the S980 matches up versus the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 and Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are provided at Sony S980 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony S980 offers outer measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has measurements of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony S980 and Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the S980 versus the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S980 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S980 and ZX1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S980 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will offer you more detail because of its extra 25 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged S980 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.