Sony W380 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Sony W380 versus Zeiss ZX1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Sony and Zeiss. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the W380 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the W380 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The W380 was launched 9 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sony W380 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the W380 grades versus the ZX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Sony W380 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony W380 enjoys outer dimensions of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Sony W380 versus Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the W380 compared to the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the W380 and ZX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the W380 and ZX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W380 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Zeiss ZX1 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 23 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older W380 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.