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Zeiss ZX1 - Another FF camera, this time with Android inside
  • First full-frame camera from ZEISS with first-class image quality and the familiar, intuitive image editing and connectivity of a smartphone.

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    OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

    ZEISS ZX1 -- That is the name of the newly developed mirrorless full-frame camera from ZEISS that was presented today in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to the ZEISS lens and a sensor developed in-house at ZEISS, the camera delivers first-class image quality combined with an operational concept and user experience that make the photographer's jobs-to-be-done as intuitive as on a smartphone.

    The ZEISS camera concept is just the first step to opening up a new world of possibilities for ambitious photographers -- from taking the shot to editing the image and sharing it on the web.

    SHOOT. EDIT. SHARE. -- Harmonized hardware, software and optics for a seamless creative process

    SHOOT: the ZEISS ZX1 features a newly designed, integrated ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus that has been perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed in-house at ZEISS. The interplay between the lens and sensor ensures first-class picture quality with that typical ZEISS look.

    EDIT: The ZEISS ZX1 enables photographers to professionally process RAW images directly on the camera thanks to fully integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. Moreover, the ZEISS ZX1's unique user interface supports the user's particular workflow without any interruption -- providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via a 4.3" multi-touch display.

    SHARE: when the networked full-frame camera is connected, the user can upload selected images directly to the internet -- without the intermediate transfer to memory cards or other external devices.

    512 GB of internal memory provide sufficient space for approximately 6,800 RAW files (DNG) or over 50,000 JPGs -- more than enough to handle photos, even during a longer trip, and giving the photographer the chance to let their creativity flow. Versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure that various peripherals can be connected. Over-the-air software updates keep the camera up to date without requiring a computer connection.

    Designed with a passion for detail and a focus on the essentials

    The design of the ZEISS ZX1 is characterized by its iconic shape with carefully crafted details. The overall form and reduction to just those elements that are absolutely necessary lay the foundation for an ergonomic camera and ensure easy handling. The symbiosis of hardware and software is exemplified by the newly defined user interface that utilizes the 4.3" multi-touch display. The slightly bent screen separates the live view from the control elements, making camera operation comfortable and straightforward.

    "We know that we exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the ZEISS ZX1. With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the Internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the ZEISS ZX1 offers," explains Jörg Schmitz, Head of the Consumer Products business group at ZEISS.

    ZEISS ZX1 available from early 2019

    The ZEISS ZX1 will be available at selected dealers in early 2019. ZEISS will announce the recommended retail price at the start of the official market launch. Starting now, anyone interested in receiving information on exact availability can register at www.zeiss.com/zx1.

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  • 33 Replies sorted by
  • Ah, you beat me to it. I should have known!

    https://zx1.zeiss.com/

    Zeiss just announced the ZX1, an extremely ugly fixed-lens compact with poor ergonomics which is apparently for people who want a camera released a couple of years after the Sony RX1 Mark II, but with very similar specs.

    It has a 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor with ISO sensitivity from 80-51,200 and the lens is a fixed 35mm f/2.0 Distagon with 8 elements in 5 groups. Neither the lens nor the sensor has any stabilization.

    Video is on the low end of average - 4k at up to 30fps and 1080p at up to 60 fps.

    Storage is an internal 512 gb SSD or via USB-C connector. The camera doesn't seem to have a card slot.

    External mic support is available by USB-C.

    The EVF is also pretty average - a 0.7" 1920x1080 OLED (magnification 0.74x)

    It comes with Lightroom pre-installed which, I guess, means that the camera is running Android as an OS. That might be the most interesting thing

  • @eatstoomuchjam

    Sorry.

    I transferred all post content here.

  • Thanks for combining them! :)

    It's pretty impressive than in 2018, Zeiss have managed to come out with a camera which has lower resolution than Sony's very similar compact (right down to the lens!) from 2015 - and it will probably only cost about 1.5-1.8x as much (the RX1R II still seems to retail for about $3200)!

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  • look about as ergonomic as a brick

  • Uses Android and also uses mobile Adobe Lightroom.

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  • We need more cameras like this one. May be Samsung new cameras also will be with Android?

  • By "more cameras like this one," do you mean "with several years-old specs and big ugly bulky bodies?" ;)

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  • Interview about this camera

    Do you have an idea yet of how much the ZX1 will cost?

    Pricing is not yet decided but I think given the performance of the lens and the sensor, plus the solid build of the body and the built-in 500GB SSD, I think it will occupy a more premium price band. It will be in the same range as [the Leica Q, Sony RX1R II].

    What was the logic behind deciding to give the ZX1 aperture, shutter speed and ISO dials but no exposure compensation dial?

    That’s one of the most frequent questions we’ve been getting. One thing we learned is that photographers are more and more conscious of stripping away features that they don’t need. So we wanted to keep the purity of the design, while still making sure this is a serious photography tool.

    One of the things that characterizes serious cameras are dials which provide the opportunity to control exposure directly. So we decided OK, we’ll keep the three - shutter speed, aperture and ISO as the only hardware controls. Everything else is built into the digital interface. If a photographer is manually controlling shutter speed and aperture, then the only way they have of further affecting exposure is ISO. So they can use the ISO dial as exposure compensation, effectively.

    https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/3766851163/cp-2019-zeiss-interview-lets-do-something-new

  • Zeiss will launch the worldwide preorder for their ZX1 on October 29 at 19:00 Tokyo time.

  • That price. Haha.

    They priced it to fail.

  • @AndrewReid_EOSHD

    Quite normal price.

    One thing I don't understand is why they do not call it "VIP vloggers camera"? As It'll double the sales.

  • I like the design of the thing. It is a shame Sony did not allow it to compete with the RX1R II or high-end mirrorless cameras.

    I am also interested to see what the Android implementation is like and whether third party apps can be developed to make use of it.