Full-frame camera Zeiss ZX1: a role model or a mayfly? Modern concept, proud price Handling Zeiss ZX1: image quality in laboratory and practice Conclusion and table The well-known optics manufacturer Zeiss is breaking new ground. The full-format compact ZX1 does not want to stand next to the Canons, Sonys and Nikons of this world. She wants to be a pioneer – the beginning of a new generation of all-in-one solutions for demanding photographers. The ZX1 combines the entire photo workflow: In addition to taking photos, images can be edited using the Lightroom app. The photos can be shared on social media or in the cloud via integrated interfaces and WLAN – without detours via smartphone or PC. The ZX1 is based on the mobile operating system Android.

The Zeiss -Camera brings a permanently installed high-resolution 34 – Millimeter lens and a full-frame sensor with 36, 4 megapixels with. In addition to photos, it also records moving images in 4K. The development of the ZX1 brought some unexpected challenges for the manufacturer. According to himself, he had problems integrating the software. As a result, the market readiness was delayed by almost two years, because originally the ZX1 should already be at the beginning 2019 appear. The concept of an “all-in-one” camera is not entirely new. Samsung already had a similar idea with the Galaxy Camera 2012. But the Koreans have long since withdrawn from the camera business. Unlike the Zeiss ZX1, Samsung placed less emphasis on high dynamics and excellent imaging performance in its hybrid camera, so the Android camera had a permanently installed 21 – fold zoom lens and a 1 / 2.3 -Inch CMOS sensor.

Modern concept, more proud Price Samsung and, eight years later, But Zeiss (had) the intended target group: bloggers and social media aficionados. But here the price of the ZX1 contradicts the clientele, because it costs 6000 euros. And not every blogger is an influencer like Stefanie Giesinger or Shirin David and has their budget. Other potential buyers could be professional photographers who need to deliver results to their customers quickly, preferably already processed. But which professional buys a 3200 – Euro camera with a fixed 35 – millimeter focal length? This restricts the style of the picture and the choice of motifs. As a typical reportage focal length, the lens can be used well for street and travel photography. In addition, certain types of landscape shots and portraits belong to the repertoire of the ZX1. One of its greatest strengths is the Zeiss camera in the backpack, because the laptop, external hard drives and interchangeable lenses can stay at home. So light luggage, only filters, cleaning set and spare batteries are required. The latter are an absolute must because the large display and internal processing consume a lot of power. Although the battery with just under 3200 mAh offers a large charging capacity even for full-frame cameras, one uses however, the display, you can see how this decreases. Zeiss does not provide any information on the number of recordings according to CIPA. Optionally, however, the ZX1 continues to take photos if the camera is charged via USB-C, so you also have the power bank in your backpack.

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