Blog Zeiss ZX1 - The Ultimate Camera for Photography Enthusiasts!

As a photography enthusiast, you want a camera that delivers stunning image quality, unparalleled control, and easy-to-use features. If that's what you're looking for, then you must check out the Zeiss ZX1. With a range of advanced features and superior build quality, this camera is perfect for anyone who wants to take their photography skills to the next level.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Zeiss ZX1 article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 27 2018

Announced

37 megapixels

Resolution

BrandZeiss
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight800g
MSRP$6000USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the ZX1

Zeiss ZX1 is a camera that stands out from the rest. This camera provides professional features in a user-friendly package, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced photographers. The Zeiss ZX1 boasts a full-frame sensor, a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, and a large touchscreen display. Along with other advanced features, this camera can produce stunning images with excellent clarity, contrast, color, and detail. Moreover, it offers built-in Adobe Lightroom CC for editing and sharing photos directly from the camera. So if you want a camera that will help you take your photography skills to the next level, then you should definitely give the Zeiss ZX1 a try!

Zeiss ZX1 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Zeiss ZX1 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality images thanks to a 37.4-megapixel sensor
Made by renowned lens maker Zeiss, ensuring excellent optics
Large 4.3-inch touchscreen for easy image preview and editing
Adobe Lightroom built in for speedy image processing and editing
Compact design makes it easy to carry around

Cons

High price tag compared to other cameras in its class
Limited storage capacity with only 512GB of internal storage
Fixed lens means limited flexibility in terms of focal length
Camera is geared towards experienced photographers, not beginners
Lack of expandability options for memory or accessories

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Zeiss ZX1

Weather sealed
Dimensions142 x 93 x 46mm
Weight800g
Thickness46mm
Weight
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Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Zeiss ZX1 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution2,765k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 4.34" screen, with a display resolution of 2,765k dots. This makes the Zeiss ZX1 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

ZX1 includes a electronic viewfinder with 6,221k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Zeiss ZX1 has a 37MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 37 pixels. Zeiss ZX1 has a native ISO range of 80 - 51200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Sep 27 2018

Announced

80 - 51200

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution7488 x 4992 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Zeiss ZX1 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the ZX1 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage512GB internal
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Zeiss ZX1 supports 512GB internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Zeiss ZX1 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Zeiss ZX1 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Zeiss ZX1 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Zeiss ZX1 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 255 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Zeiss ZX1?

The Zeiss ZX1 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Zeiss ZX1 weather sealed?

No the ZX1 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Zeiss ZX1 announced?

The Zeiss ZX1 was announced on Sep 27 2018

Does the Zeiss ZX1 have in-body image stabilization?

No the ZX1 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Zeiss ZX1?

The ZX1 has a native ISO range of 80-51200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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