After two years since it was announced, the first digital camera by ZEISS is now available for preorder for a ridiculously high price for a point-and-shoot fixed lens camera with low video capabilities. Read more about this over-priced $6,000 product by ZEISS.
ZEISS ZX1 Digital Camera
The ZX1 is the first digital camera by ZEISS. The camera was announced two years ago at Photokina 2018. Back then, it was a solid announcement (4K with a full-frame sensor in a tiny body). However, nowadays, it’s a sort of gimmick. The camera was planned to be shipped in early 2019. We assumed that this product was discontinued since there wasn’t any update by ZEISS on the progress. However, as noted by DPReview, B&H Photo has sent out emails saying that it’s coming soon and is now available to preorder for $6,000. The ZX1 owns a full-frame 37.4MP CMOS sensor which enables recording high-resolution stills at up to 3 fps and 4K30p video, along with a sensitivity range of ISO 80-51200. The lens and a sensor are developed in-house at ZEISS, Nevertheless, with its fixed 35mm lens, and 8-bit video, it’s not considered a camera for professionals, but only a not-too-cool gimmick.
Concept: Shoot-Edit-Share
The concept of this camera is having a tiny high-quality tool in the hand of the creator, so the moment can be captured, edited, and shared easily…just like a smartphone. 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. The video quality is not defined, but according to the codecs, we can assume a lot of 8-bit capabilities.
Watch the product video below:
ZEISS ZX1 main specs
- Sensor: CMOS sensor, 24 x 36 mm, 39.5 MP total / 37.4 MP effective
- Lens: ZEISS Distagon T* 35mm f/2
- Display: 4.3 ” TFT LCD, 1280 x 720 px, 338ppi, capacitive multi-touch enabled, scratch resistant cover glass with anti-fingerprint coating
- Autofocus method: Contrast-detection AF, phase-detection AF
- Video format/quality: MP4 video, 4K (3840×2160 px) up to 30fps with H.265, FHD (1920×1080 px) up to 60 fps with H.264, AAC audio codec
- Audio: Built-in microphone (stereo) and speaker (mono)
- Memory storage: 512 GB SSD (built-in), External storage via USB-C
- Connectivity (wired): USB 3.1 Gen 1, Type-C connector with USB-PD (Power Delivery), HDMI Alt Mode for USB Type-C supported
- Connectivity (wireless): Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4/5.0 GHz Bluetooth 4.2
- Editing software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom preinstalled
Conclusion: Buy a cinema camera instead
In some cases, we’d thought this is an April Fool’s joke. Saying that this price seems such an exaggeration would be an understatement. If you have a $6,000 to spare, buy the RED Komodo, or any other wonderful cinema camera in that range. Is there any reason you should consider purchasing it? Let’s know in the comments section below.
