Sony A57 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here, we will be matching up the Sony A57 and Zeiss ZX1, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Sony and Zeiss. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the A57 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the A57 (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The A57 was released 7 years prior to the ZX1 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the A57 grades vs the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Sony SLT-A57 & Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony A57 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Sony A57 features outer dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst 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 A57 and Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the A57 versus the ZX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A57 and ZX1 is 64 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the A57 and ZX1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The A57 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 21MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older A57 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.