Sony W330 vs Zeiss ZX1

Its time to look more closely at the Sony W330 versus Zeiss ZX1, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Sony and Zeiss. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the W330 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the W330 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The W330 was brought out 9 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony W330 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the W330 scores against the ZX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330 & Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are available at Sony W330 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Sony W330 enjoys outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 17mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 128 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Sony W330 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the W330 and the ZX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the W330 and ZX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The visual below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the W330 and ZX1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W330 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will offer you extra detail having its extra 23 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older W330 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.