Zeiss ZX1 review

I'm going to hold out for the Gucci edition. Yes, it will cost 3x as much, but just imagine the envy that it will generate!

Aug 26, 2022permalink

cirke

A second version of this camera is needed , even for 1000 I won’t buy that one . And having Lightroom included is just absurd
The 35 mm is attractive as I will never buy a fixed 28 like the Leica Q

Jan 15, 2022*permalink

John Kenneth

Very interesting concept.

Oct 3, 2021permalink

Sardonic G

I'd call this the BetaMax of digital cameras, but BetaMax has less negatives.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

concorde 1954

They should have made a M mount camera so you could use the Zeiss rangefinder lenses.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

Space the final frontier

At $6K, it is an awful camera. Can't even get single point AF on static subject properly. But then, I am not the target customer. I like elegant designs, but this camera is too basic to be useful for me.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

NickyB66

Just no.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

Chris59

Is it just me or do others see reddish banding at ISO 6400?

Sep 27, 2021permalink

MN13

There is no functional relationship between sensor and Lightroom at the point of exposure. Lightroom is strictly only for post-processing.

IMO, needs something like Apple's "Photographic Style". One adjusts before exposure various variables and the image is then taken and processed as selected.

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Kona Mike

just absolutely horrible horizontal artifacts in the black/white scene above the old lady sitting in the chair (about 9 o'clock in the test scene). In the Raw and JPEG versions.

Sep 27, 2021*permalink

mbphotox

Alright... looks kinda neat (like the Leica T back then)

At 6k, I would still get the Leica Q2 and maybe add a nice handmade leather half-case with handmade leather strap, and a nice handmade leather carrying bag.. and maybe a nice handmade... you get where I'm going with this.

Except for resolution in the corners, the Q2 is by far the better camera in every way that matters to me.

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Nolejd50

God that is an ugly design.

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Hunnee

All the hassle and flakiness of mobile computing brought to a one-lens-only camera.
What's not to love?

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Goodmeme

Shame about the laundry list of negatives. It looks like nearly perfect hardware for a walkaround camera, if only the lens was trouser-pocketable, i.e. probably f2.8 aps-c or f4 at full frame.

I would love for Canon/Nikon to compete with a fixed lens 35mm equiv. aps-c/full frame compact the same size as the Ricoh GR series. Tbh, I'd prefer APS-C as then I could afford it. :)

Sep 27, 2021permalink

mbphotox

Nikon had the Coolpix A... no successor followed, because people use smartphones.
It's a niche market, that's why Zeiss and Leica can play it. Sony RX1R is an old hat and never got an upgrade. The Fuji and Ricoh tend to the less affluent Hipster and get them hooked on fixed lens compacts :D (I know it worked for me, until I bought a used Leica Q after the Q2 was released and prices started dropping)

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Goodmeme

Yes, although I think there is an untapped market in aps-c fixed lens compacts. It will be interesting to see how well the GRIIIx sells. Apparently the GRIII sold around ten times more than the GRII.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

Goodmeme

Yes, although I think there is an untapped market in aps-c fixed lens compacts. It will be interesting to see how well the GRIIIx sells. Apparently the GRIII sold around ten times more than the GRII.

Sep 28, 2021permalink

jackspra

Like the camera and the great image quality.That negative list was kinda long for a $6000 camera.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

Hugo808

I'm surprised you gave it 83%, you made it sound awful with barely a single thing I could like about it! I would like to have a go though, but not at that price.

Question though: Does Lr mobile have the graduated and radial filters that I use more than anything else?

Jul 30, 2021permalink

DarnGoodPhotos

yes, lr mobile does have those and the kind you paint with a brush.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

Hugo808

And finally, are they included in the non-subscription version?

Jul 31, 2021permalink

DarnGoodPhotos

The subscription just covers the cloud based stuff. just try it in your phone.

Jul 31, 2021permalink

GarysInSoCal

Noisey... unreliable AF... sluggish operation... inferior JPEG color and white balance... poor interface... no interchangeable lenses... and all this for only $6000. Can you say HARD PASS?... I sure can... probably for the far superior D850 at about 1/3 the price.

Jul 30, 2021*permalink

Sam_S_V

Is it really so hard for some to understand that sometimes, certain things don't have to have a reason for being made? is there really a need for say something like a hypercar? who are the target buyers for those? are they ever going to drive them to their limit if at all? are they worth the asking price? are they just going to be the talk of the town until the next model is released by the same company the following year? will the people who bought those really care? No, they won't and they don't, and neither will the people who buy this camera. It's one of those items that if you even bother looking at the price then you are definitely NOT the target buyer and so any criticism you may throw at it for it's 'value proposition' is worthless and meritless.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

MN13

Sam_S_V
You made some good points. This camera certainly will be an attention getter and conversation piece at any cocktail party.
In any camera collection it will be one of the centerpieces.

Jul 30, 2021*permalink

fnord77

the one possible use-case I could see for this is where you're covering live events where you need to shoot, edit and upload immediately on-site.

I assume this device has wifi and could upload to the cloud if you had a wifi hotspot?

anyway, you could do all that on an iphone too or an iphone + a better camera.

Also - I end up taking a lot of pics and then never editing or sharing them. I could see how this type of device could help with that... but now for $6k :)

Jul 29, 2021permalink

HumphreytheWarrior

This is a very good review. comprehensive and fair. I own the ZX1 as well as the Leica Q.

Jul 29, 2021permalink

Toilet Roll

This will eat through batteries faster than a sega game gear

Jul 28, 2021permalink

HumphreytheWarrior

wrong!

Jul 29, 2021permalink

fnord77

so for once a Leica is a better deal...

Jul 28, 2021permalink

Sourov

Leica and Zeiss are in Same tier.
It's in the end up to you. Do you like Vinyl or Best of Digital with history of great optics?

Jul 29, 2021permalink

DGCA03

It's a nice looking camera. The designers should be commended. However, those same designers apparently don't realize just how quickly this camera may get scratched up. But I'm guessing there will be 3rd parties offering plenty of colorful skins to protect it.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

TomCodyPleasedToMeetYa

Really? I doubt it as there is no market for this Camera so what 3rd party is going to develop skins for it?

Jul 29, 2021permalink

DGCA03

Well at the price they are asking, it will certainly be a tiny sliver of a market, if that.

Jul 29, 2021permalink

The envy and jealousy here is palpable! A good owen for this camera, which doesn’t need to be a top seller to be a great success.

Reminds me of reactions to Leica gear. With way over 700 comments, one of the most commented cameras of 2021. For every bashing comment I calculate 100 people that wished they could afford it. Good job Zeiss! I’d have this camera if rich.

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

mikegt

You have either completely lost touch with reality or you are working for the Zeiss marketing department.

Jul 29, 2021permalink

Ben Stonewall

@fferreres
Lol!

Jul 29, 2021*permalink

Hugo808

"The envy and jealousy here is palpable! " Actually no, what you're seeing is astonishment that an obviously half-baked camera can be so expensive. I would love a Leica but this, no thanks, the review pints out all it's bad faults and they're enough to stop me even dreaming about one.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

CrimLarks

Envy and jealousy? That's hilarious

Sep 27, 2021permalink

Chris59

It might be a "good owen", but certainly not a "good omen" that there is so little to like about the camera. As for "envy and jealousy"?... in your dreams!

Sep 27, 2021permalink

PadPoet

With those features and that price, I really don't understand what audience is this camera targeting.

Jul 27, 2021permalink

Bobapingu

Rich photographers of holidays perhaps?

Jul 28, 2021permalink

Copal Fit

Collectors only

Jul 29, 2021permalink

fnord77

maybe covering live events where you need to shoot, edit and upload immediately on-site?

though I think live streaming is usually the preferred approach to live events

Jul 29, 2021permalink

waloshin2015

Wonderful camera, but all those megapixels to just post to Facebook and Instagram…

Jul 27, 2021*permalink

BLongborough

Just curious: for how long will Zeiss be providing Android system updates for this?

Will they, like phone manufacturers, say 'buy a new model's after a few years?

Jul 27, 2021permalink

This a top question, as the value would be extraordinary of Zeiss managed to become a platform, with the support of the manufacturing partners. Zeiss doesn’t manufacture, has an amazing brand, and if they pull it off, they could corner the market. They are probably experimenting, and what they do may depend on how the experiment evolves.

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

"Zeiss doesn’t manufacture, has an amazing brand, and if they pull it off, they could corner the market. "

Corner the market for $6,000 FX cameras? I suppose, but that doesn't appear to be a very large segment.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

No, a software platform for cameras jointly with Adobe.

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

"No, a software platform for cameras jointly with Adobe."

With a $6,000 entry fee for a fixed-lens camera. Good luck with that!

Jul 28, 2021permalink

The first iPhone cost a fortune and was the most expensive plan.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

"The first iPhone cost a fortune and was the most expensive plan."

The first iPhones were introduced in 2007 and cost $499 and $599. Inflation adjusted in 2021 dollars would be $654 and $785. So it seems that your memory is flawed.

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

The cost was actually higher as you were forced to only one carrier having a larger total cost when you factored those plans. The $599 was equivalent to a down payment since the phone was locked 100% to AT&T.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

Sorry, but your point is weak ffereres. Yes, we all entered contracts that locked us in for 2 years, but the costs were hardly onerous. If they had been, I wouldn't have funded phones for my entire family.

Jul 30, 2021permalink

I am often incorrect and my memory is far from perfect. However, the first iPhones were $499 and $599, and AT&T had an agreement with Apple giving them $10 per month per account, most contract two years. Make the math, the adjust by inflation. This also doesn't include the cost of plans at the time, which were much higher than now in current dollars, and more so in constant currency.

My point is that current cameras are weak as software photography platforms. They are lightweight systems completely unlike smartphones. I for one would like an iPhone Ultra Plus powered A7RIII, or Android powered one where the applications, all processing takes place in the same devise and is hyperconnected, and apps have access to all camera functions and can do post processing like we do in the desktop, even if with some limitations. The iPhone or other mobile devises are very nice, improving, have so many apps and do so many things, like a swiss army knife. I'd like a CameraOS that can run app stores.

Jul 31, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Nice lens connected to not so nice things.

Jul 27, 2021permalink

JO-films

They need to cut the price in half and then put it on sale. This must be the highest Ugly/buck ratio ever. Who greenlights these designs?

Jul 27, 2021permalink

$6000, the cost of skipping desktop editing. I think people miss that it’s not about having Lightroom in a camera, but about not needing a laptop for higher end adjustments to taste. It’s the price of untethering.

Jul 27, 2021*permalink

zkz5

You can skip desktop editing far more cheaply than this by editing on your phone or tablet instead. They run Lightroom too.

Jul 27, 2021permalink

NoSasaeng

You will still need another device for higher end adjustments. Try doing frequency separation on your camera....

Jul 27, 2021permalink

I’d save the extra $5000 and edit in the phone or tablet, but would not hesitate one second to get this f it cost $1500. It’s $6000, so I won’t, but for some people $6000 or $20000 is no issue at all.

A nice review would show how fast and pleasurable this is as compared to editing on another device, which also bring a host of other issues and nuisances.

Jul 27, 2021*permalink

Edit on a camera screen? Now that is a dreadful idea. I'll stick with my desktop PC and color-managed workflow.

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

Gazeomon

I probably would spend serious money on a camera or lens if it excites me and kindles passion and vision. This device leaves me cold as a fish. I'd rather get a good smart phone. Lightroom post processing in camera on that spiffy little monitor?? Get lost.

Jul 27, 2021permalink

mount evans

Does the Adobe Lightroom stop working unless you pay a monthly fee?

Jul 27, 2021permalink

According DPreview article below :
https://m.dpreview.com/reviews/zeiss-zx1-review
"Update as of 12/11/20: Zeiss has confirmed that, even without a paid Adobe account, you are able to use Lightroom Mobile on the ZX1 to do basic editing and adjustments. You won't be able to use so-called 'premium features' (denoted by the blue stars on the icons in the image below), but this should set many users' minds at ease in that the vast majority of adjustments you may want to take advantage of are available subscription-free."

Wish another camera embedded free Google Snapseed instead of Adobe Lightroom mobile.

Jul 27, 2021*permalink

S Yu

Snapseed is nowhere as reliable as LR in handling DNG, and the quirky workflow of adding "layers" of adjustments doesn't help either. I'd even choose the "expired" free LR over Snapseed despite Snapseed having quite a few more features, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to have both on the same device.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

Lees Channel

Well everyone, I think I'm going now. I used to like it here at DPReview, I love reading the comments from you guys and trawling through the forums, but the quality of DPReview has been going down progressively for years now and I just can't stand it anymore. Goodbye everyone, I wish you well ✌

Jul 27, 2021permalink

So about 3k more you get what a bigger screen and a newer EVF with higher res with a fancy design then the much cheaper antiquated Sony RX1R II. Sounds like great value for money.

Jul 26, 2021permalink

MoreorLess

To be fair the lens performance does look significantly better than the Sony RX1R2 and indeed a bit better than the Leica Q2 which is only slightly cheaper.

The editing gubbins is whats getting most of the hype but I'd imagine the lens/body designs/EVF is most of the reason its the price it is.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

Doesn’t make it any less overpriced, it’s not a lens worth $2500 more they tossed on.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

S Yu

Yeah, it also saves you the glue of fixing the flip screen to the body, and throwing some sand into the shutter so it's 40% slower than an already slow 5fps, and comes with 300g of dead weight for free, great value indeed!

...Oh what wouldn't I give for a proper RX1RIII upgrade!

Jul 28, 2021*permalink

apestorm

I'm clearly a heathen as this looks very interesting to.me. Brutally expensive but very interesting concept

Jul 26, 2021permalink

Miron09

This is not about photography, this is about bragging, showing-off. Like a Leica with snake-skin (which is better value than this plasticky Zeiss manufactured by some unknown Asian outfit)

Jul 26, 2021permalink

Platographer

Why in the world would anyone pay $6,000 for this? This makes a Leica look like a good deal. What is the use case?

Jul 26, 2021*permalink

Fixx

Rich people?

Jul 26, 2021permalink

Platographer

If I were rich, I wouldn't buy this. I would buy a Phase One XF IQ4 maybe, but not this... If you are going to spend $6,000 on a camera, regardless of your wealth, why not buy the Fuji GFX-100S?

Jul 26, 2021permalink

If rich, why didn't buy other more luxury & stylish camera instead of expensive version "Yongnuo Android 10-powered YN455".

Another question : Which Android camera run faster? $6000 Zeiss ZX1? $600 Yongnuo Android 10-powered YN455?

Jul 26, 2021permalink

Rich people would probably still choose the Leica of namesake reason

Jul 26, 2021permalink

chongleebnw

Missed opportunity.
Could have been a camera designed around:
a) a more accessible price
b) the image quality based on the lens, not the integrated lightroom stuff
c) a compact body

Push the above 3 to as much as they can, and surely there would be a camera appeals to many.

Jul 26, 2021permalink

It’s Zeiss they don’t know how to Price stuff in an acceptable range.

Jul 26, 2021permalink

IlianS

This is a pretty simple design.Reminds me of the last samsung compacts that disappeared pretty quickly.I still have one because I did not manage to sell it.
A camera with this level of image quality deserves much better memorable exterior,imo.It's just not pleasure to look at it,which of course is subjective.If you want to look at something pretty simple looking you can look at your phone.

Jul 26, 2021permalink

steven_k

Here’s my take, I purchased one of the used ZX1’s from B&H for $4700 in mint condition. At the same time I rented a Leica Q2, I am a Leica M10-P / M10M shooter / owner and i Love Leica. For me I am not a 28mm FOV kind of guy,
So I did some non scientific comparisons using the Q2 35 crop mode and to me bottom line the ZX1 produced a sharper image then the Q2, I know sharpness is not everything, though I found when you load the ZX1 DNG’s into LRC or C1 and don’t apply lens correction the 35/2 Sonnar looks great with character.
I have encountered some of the back / front focus problem the DPR pointed out. I’ve been in contact with Zeiss and they are looking into it. I have zero use for using the the built in LR. Battery life has been good and I do like the handling, I have bigger hands.
DPR comparison tool, comparing the ZX1 to the Q2, Sony RX1Rll and the Fuji 100V, the ZX1 holds it own and looking at the paint brush it’s sharper.

Bottom line am I going to keep the ZX1 Not sure yet

Jul 25, 2021permalink

The ZX1 is inferior to a number of far less expensive cameras at high ISOs. Even the APS-C Fujifilm X-Pro3 spanks it at ISO 6400.

Jul 28, 2021permalink

WGVanDyck

Why? For whom? To what purpose?

Jul 25, 2021*permalink

mikegt

It's a camera where style trumps flexibility, designed for folks with more money than intelligence.

Jul 25, 2021*permalink

WGVanDyck

I think you are right on target, Mike.

Jul 27, 2021*permalink

masiman

My Nikon Coolpix A is still working fine, may not have as many Megapixels but it is full frame and very sharp.

Jul 25, 2021permalink

photosse

Nope:
APSC
https://www.nikon.fr/fr_FR/product/discontinued/digital-cameras/coolpix/2017/coolpix-a
ZX1 is full frame

Jul 25, 2021*permalink

Juzam

Wasn’t it APS-C?

Jul 25, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Someone didn't read the specs lol

Jul 25, 2021permalink

amd

I don’t want to the be the product owner at Zeiss for this!
Great base idea, but eventually full of glitches, too late, and the SOM at that price makes it impossible to be celebrated as a success any time soon.
Kind of sad. Could have been great.

Jul 25, 2021permalink

The appearance seem like product of small China smartphone maker (especially lagging UI and max shutter limit). Are it OEM product from China?

Jul 25, 2021*permalink

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2019/03/10/the-new-yongnuo-yn450-is-unfortunately-one-giant-mess-of-a-camera/

You might remember the Yongnuo YN450 (use Android 7.1) that released 2 years ago.

Jul 25, 2021*permalink

Rolf Brenner

It's a leaf shutter 1/1000 is actually great and it's perfect for using flash in daylight!

Jul 26, 2021permalink

But, $1400 Fujiflm X100V has 1/4000 leaf shutter.

Jul 26, 2021permalink

Rolf Brenner

@forest dream at all apertures?

Jul 27, 2021permalink