Sony W650 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look a little more in depth at the Sony W650 vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Sony and Zeiss. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the W650 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the W650 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The W650 was manufactured 7 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony W650 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the W650 grades vs the ZX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 and Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony W650 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Sony W650 provides outer dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has sizing 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 W650 vs Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the W650 versus the ZX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the W650 and ZX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the W650 and ZX1.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The W650 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 21MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older W650 will be behind in sensor innovation.