Sony W290 vs Zeiss ZX1

Its time to take a closer look at the Sony W290 versus Zeiss ZX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Sony and Zeiss. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the W290 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the W290 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The W290 was announced 10 years before the ZX1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony W290 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the W290 matches up against the ZX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Sony W290 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Sony W290 features physical dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while 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).

Compare the Sony W290 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the W290 and the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the W290 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by checking out specs. The image underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the W290 and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The W290 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide greater detail with its extra 25 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged W290 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.