Zeiss ZX1 Detailed Review

In additional ZX1 was introduced by Zeiss in September 2018. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Zeiss is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Zeiss.

The ZX1 has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.42″ x 0.94″).

Picture of ZX1’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The ZX1’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 37 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

The Zeiss supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Zeiss’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The ZX1 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 6.20 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.74x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

The ZX1’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The ZX1’s sensitivity goes from 80 ISO und 51200 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The ZX1 supports all general exposure modes.

The Zeiss allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The ZX1’s auto focus processor uses 255 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Zeiss, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The ZX1 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Zeiss’s hotshoe.

The ZX1 features a monitor with a diagonal of 110.00mm (4.3 in.) and a resolution of c. 2.76 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

Unfortunately, the ZX1’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The ZX1’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

ZX1 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Zeiss ZX1 Video parameters:

The ZX1 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Zeiss. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

Memory cards characteristics:

The Zeiss ZX1 works with a Zeiss proprietär, nicht wechselbar battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 500 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The ZX1’s battery battery parameters:

The Zeiss ZX1’s dimensions are 142 x 93 x 66mm³. (5.6″ x 3.7″ x 2.6″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a rather considerable 800 grams (25.8 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the ZX1:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.