DPReview Published Zeiss ZX1 Review (83% Overall Score)

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DPReview has completed the Zeiss ZX1 full frame camera review and test results: the Zeiss ZX1 full frame camera achieves an amazing 83% overall score from the experts at DPReview.

Zeiss ZX1 Key Features:

  • 37.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • ZEISS Distagon T* 35mm f/2 Lens
  • Integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC
  • Leaf Shutter and Physical Exposure Dials
  • 0.74x Full HD OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 4.34″ HD Touchscreen LCD with Tool Bar
  • UHD 4K30 Video Recording, ISO 80-51200
  • Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Internal 512GB SSD Storage
  • USB Type-C Terminal

What we like

  • Incredibly sharp lens with pleasant out-of-focus rendering
  • Good detail from the 37.4MP sensor
  • Striking design and excellent build quality
  • Large, bright, high-resolution displays
  • Good battery life (remember to turn it fully off; standby will drain it over time)
  • Detailed 4K video
  • Leaf shutter enables flash sync at up to 1/1000 sec shutter speeds
  • Basic Lightroom controls available without an Adobe subscription
  • Fast transfer and charge speeds over USB-C connection

What we don’t

  • Inconsistent UX, particularly when logging in to accounts for sharing
  • Raw files show more noise than competitors at high ISO
  • JPEG color and auto white balance can look a bit ‘off’
  • Occasionally sluggish operation
  • Lens control rings hard to use by feel
  • Exposure compensation only accessible via touchscreen
  • Autofocus system can be unreliable, interface is a bit cumbersome
  • Processing and exporting Raw files in-camera can be lengthy
  • Max 1/1000 sec mech. shutter speed, 1/2000 sec elec. shutter speed
  • It’s expensive

Conclusion from DPReview:

The Zeiss ZX1 is an attractively designed camera with a lot to like in terms of image quality and the inclusion of Adobe Lightroom Mobile gives you an impressive amount of flexibility when editing your files on the camera. Lackluster autofocus and video capabilities, along with some occasional interface quirks and sluggishness detract from the overall experience.

Zeiss ZX1: $6,000 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.