Sony TX20 vs Zeiss ZX1

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Sony TX20 and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Sony and Zeiss. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the TX20 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the TX20 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TX20 was released 7 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony TX20 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the TX20 grades vs the ZX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are available at Sony TX20 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony TX20 has physical measurements of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Sony TX20 and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the TX20 against the ZX1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TX20 and ZX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TX20 and ZX1.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TX20 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 21MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older TX20 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.