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Zeiss ZX1

 
Zeiss ZX1 front
 
  • 37MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 4.34" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 80 - 51200
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 35mm (F2-22) lens
  • 800g - 142 x 93 x 46mm
  • Announced September 2018
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
67
Imaging
78
Features
62
Overall
71

Zeiss ZX1 overview

Zeiss ZX1 is Zeiss's Large Sensor Compact camera originally revealed on September of 2018. The camera has got a 37MP, CMOS Full frame sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 7488 x 4992.

The ZX1 stands at #5 out of 65 in Large Sensor Compact cameras & all round #148 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can check our Smart camera finder to see camera rankings based on your customized requirements.

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Here is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Zeiss ZX1 Pros and Cons

Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of the Zeiss ZX1 based on factors which are oftentimes seen as necessary in a camera.

above average ISO range (51,200)
above average min ISO (80)
bigger than average screen (4.34 inch)
comes with touch focus
connects via bluetooth
does have HDMI socket
exports RAW files
fast maximum aperture (f2)
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
high resolution screen (2,765 k dots)
MP count amazing (37MP)
offers face detect focusing
offers tracking focus
screen articulates
sensor size is big (Full frame)
touchscreen
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 pixels)
you can focus manually
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
does not have headphone socket
does not have image stabilization
does not have mic socket
does not have Time Lapse recording
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (35mm)
heavier than others (800 grams)
lacks phase detect AF
slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames per second)
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Zeiss ZX1 Sensor details

The sensor size in the Zeiss ZX1 is 36mm x 24mm (Full frame). The 864 mm² sensor can resolve 7488 x 4992 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2.

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The CMOS sensor has 37MP and provides a native ISO range of 80 - 51200. RAW photos are saved so you have wider margin for error.

The picture underneath shows the ZX1's sensor dimensions when compared to other common sizes. The ZX1 sensor has a crop factor of 1 and is highlighted in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Zeiss ZX1 dimensions

Zeiss ZX1 weighs about 1.76 pounds (800g or 28.22 oz) & has exterior proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8"). The weight of general Large Sensor Compact camera is 396g so the Zeiss ZX1 is more heavy when compared to various competitors.

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Here is a shot of the Zeiss ZX1 beside a softdrink to help you to get a feel for its scale.

Zeiss ZX1 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will show you the button design on the ZX1.

Zeiss ZX1 topview buttons dials

Zeiss ZX1 Lens specs

The ZX1 has got an inbuilt lens featuring a constant focal length of 35mm which means you have no luxury to zoom.

At the widest 35mm, the lens features an aperture of f2 and that's perfect for low light conditions and capturing a shallow depth of field. It will also allow you to set a lower ISO in order to get better files.

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Zeiss ZX1 Connectivity

The ZX1 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • Bluetooth Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that incorporate NFC or Bluetooth connectivity can be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You can easily transfer photos and oftentimes alter settings without connecting straight to the camera.

A few applications even stream a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external screen. The majority of cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB socket.

Photography Glossary

Zeiss ZX1 Video specs

The highest video quality in the Zeiss ZX1 is 3840 x 2160 and you can shoot in MPEG-4 and H.264 format. 2160p can provide a great quality for video recording. You are able to crop to Full HD in order to get cleaner results. Be wary of the substantial file sizes and make sure you have got good SD cards that have fast write speed. The camera doesn't include a microphone or headphone jack so you have little control over the audio. It is probably best to get an alternative model if you need good audio for your video clips.

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Zeiss ZX1 Weather Sealing

Zeiss ZX1 doesn't include weather proofing so rainy conditions may affect the camera.

Zeiss ZX1 Display and Viewfinder

The Zeiss ZX1 has got a 4.34" fully articulated display screen supporting a resolution of 2,765k dots.

Additionally the display screen is touch friendly so you are able to adjust focus points and adjust settings with your finger.

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The ViewFinder specifications for Zeiss ZX1 are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Resolution 6,221k dots
  • Coverage 100 percent

Viewfinders are very useful for sunny outdoor conditions which may make the camera display washed out and difficult to see.

Zeiss ZX1 Shutter specs

Zeiss ZX1 continuous shooting rate is 3.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000s.

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Zeiss ZX1 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Zeiss ZX1 features external flash ability but with no integrated flash.

Zeiss ZX1 Autofocus specs

Zeiss ZX1 features just Contrast Detect Auto Focus & does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker and accurate when compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has got Face detect which makes it useful for people photography.

The Sensor has got 255 focus points to choose from. Zeiss ZX1 has tap to focus. You can easily use your fingers in order to shift where you focus. It also includes Tracking Auto Focus for moving subjects. Zeiss ZX1 comes with manual focus if required for low light scenarios or you want to have more precise focus control.

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Zeiss ZX1 Battery life

The typical Large Sensor Compact camera battery life is 301. Leica X-U features the highest (450) battery life for this kind of cameras.

Listed below is a listing of Large Sensor Compact cameras which have the highest battery life:

Zeiss ZX1 for specific types of photography

The following graph presents a analysis of the Zeiss ZX1 for specific types of photography. To learn more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Zeiss ZX1

The Zeiss ZX1 receives a rating of 86 which is fantastic, and means the camera is a outstanding choice for portrait photography. Shooting portrait images favors greatly towards sensor size, RAW support together with the ability to work with off-camera lighting.

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focusing manually
megapixel count great (37 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
comes with face detection focusing
delivers RAW formats

Zeiss ZX1 Street photography info

With a nice points tally of 70, the Zeiss ZX1 is a fine fit to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera offers a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

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screen articulates
large sensor size (Full frame)
saves RAW formats
comes with focus by touch
very good high ISO (51,200)
lack of image stabilization
more heavy than average (800 grams)

Zeiss ZX1 Sports photography features

A nice sports photography rating of 64 indicates the Zeiss ZX1 is a very decent pick for taking photos of sports. A camera needs to have very good focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
high megapixels (37 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports tracking focus
fixed focal length (35mm)
painfully slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
doesn't have phase detect autofocus

Zeiss ZX1 Travel photography info

Weight is extremely critical when choosing a travel camera. In general, the Zeiss ZX1 gets a very good 65 as a travelling camera which is a fine pick to purchase for your journeys.

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has bluetooth
features touch focus
megapixel count amazing (37MP)
good max aperture (f2)
missing Timelapse recording
more heavy than competition in class (800g)
screen is not selfie friendly

Landscape photography with Zeiss ZX1

When you're looking to pick a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most vital factor will no doubt be image quality. The Zeiss ZX1 and it's above average score of 69 as a landscape camera is a very decent pick in the current marketplace.

Photography Glossary
focusing manually
great max aperture (f2)
big screen (4.34 inch)
sensor resolution is high (37 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
great ISO range (51,200)
delivers RAW files
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (35mm)
does not have image stabilization
missing Timelapse recording

Zeiss ZX1 Vlogging factors

A camera for vlogging preferably should come with a moving display screen, mic port and if possible IBIS. Taking all things into account, the Zeiss ZX1 is simply not suitable for vlogging as it comes to a low rating of 31.

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good max aperture (f2)
touchscreen enabled
features face detection focus
great video quality (3840 x 2160 pixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
no image stabilization
lack of external microphone jack
more heavy than competition (800 grams)

Zeiss ZX1 Alternatives

If you are interested in alternatives to the ZX1, here is a number of the highest placed cameras that fall under the category of Large Sensor Compact.

The graph down below will give you a summary of the ZX1 vs it's highest rated competitors shown above.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may consider as alternatives. To check out a full comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Zeiss
Model
Zeiss ZX1
Category
Large Sensor Compact
Announced
2018-09-27
Physical type
Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
Full frame
Sensor dimensions
36 x 24mm
Sensor surface area
864.0mm²
Sensor resolution
37MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Highest resolution
7488 x 4992
RAW photos
Highest native ISO
51200
Lowest native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points
255
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
35mm (1x)
Maximal aperture
f/2-22
Focal length multiplier
1
Screen
Type of display
Fully Articulated
Display sizing
4.34 inch
Display resolution
2,765k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
6,221k dots
Viewfinder coverage
100 percent
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
30 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
3.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
no built-in flash
Flash modes
no built-in flash
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Highest video resolution
3840x2160
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
800g (1.76 lbs)
Physical dimensions
142 x 93 x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8")
Other
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage type
512GB internal
Card slots
1