About Zeiss ZX1
Many photographers love Zeiss glass, and for a good reason. They’re known for quality and solid builds. The ZX1 has been highly anticipated, mostly because it’s the first body Zeiss has ever produced. While it’s technically a point-and-shoot, the unique feature is that it comes with Adobe Creative built in so that you can shoot, edit, and post immediately. While this is not likely to appeal to the average portrait photographer for travel photographers or people on the go who try and keep their gear as minimal as possible this means that they can skip the laptop and get full frame quality images without being stuck using a camera phone. The model is definitely a quirk, and while other manufacturers may consider adding editing after they see its reception, this is going to be more a toy for Zeiss enthusiasts than a serious photography camera. Zeiss is a long-running and respected company, but the reasons behind jumping from the glass market into the camera market seem murky. If they’re trying to expand their repertoire outside glass, this seems an odd direction since the model is firmly between amateur point-and-shoot and professionals who will actually edit their images.
Features – Zeiss ZX1
- Nine different autofocus modes with both focus and AE lock
- 30fps 4k video recording or 60fps in full HD with a maximum of 20 hours
- Zeiss Distagon Lens with eight elements including two double-sided aspherical
- F/2-22
- Minimum focusing distance 30cm
- 4.34” LCD screen with 338ppi
- 0.7” OLED viewfinder
- NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth
- USB-C (HDMI via USB-C only)
What’s New
- Honeybee Autofocus platform.
- Comes with strap, battery, lens ring, cap, AC adapter, USB cable, guides, and lens shader.
- Remote control via a smartphone app.
- Seven shooting modes including panorama and self-timer.
- Silent Shutter
Who Should Buy
The ZX1 is rather an enigma. It’s going to appeal to enthusiasts most of all, simply because the limitations of that 35mm lens is not going to work for professional photographers at all. The only time this would fit their needs might be as a small back-up or for events where they absolutely have to edit on the fly. The issue with this is that while editing, they’re not photographing which makes it a hard sell. The fact that it’s little more than a smartphone with some Zeiss glass makes it unappealing to amateurs who likely aren’t going to spend this sort of money on a camera that isn’t a learning tool or an upgrade of any kind. Zeiss enthusiasts will obviously love it, it’s quirky, and the triangular grip certainly has an appeal, but it doesn’t fit as well in hand as a DSLR’s curves. The lightweight aspect makes it perfect for travel or for those who are headed out carrying their gear since it won’t take up much space. The lack of image stabilization does hamper adventurers a little compared to others of the same price range, so it’s still very much a niche model.
How to Use – Get, Set, and Click
- 1On main dial turn switch to on then adjust the dial to preferred shooting mode.
- 2Set the focus mode using the secondary dial.
- 3Using the viewfinder or the screen frame the shot and depress the shutter button halfway to focus.
- 4
Press the shutter all the way down to take the image. - 5In the menu click on the image to open it. Using the control panel on the right of the screen edit the image to your preferred view.
- 6Using the same menu press the share button to share instantly over wifi or via a USB cable to an external device.
Must-Have Accessories
for Zeiss ZX1
- Hot shoe mounted TTL Flash
- Tilts from –7 to 90 degrees.
- Used for indoor and low light photography
- Used by anyone who wants to adapt difficult lighting situations. The ZX1 does not have an onboard flash, so this is essential.
- $255
- Replacement neck strap
- Attaches to camera body without additional hardware.
- Used for carrying the camera without holding it and securing it in case of falls.
- Mostly used by enthusiasts. The lack of padding and no quick release snaps means it’s basic as can be.
- $12
- Wipes designed to protect camera lens coating while cleaning the lens
- Disposable wipes
- Used for quality camera glass which is coated and may be damaged by regular glass cleaners. These will not damage coatings and come in small disposable packets. The lack of a filter ring means there’s nothing between the lens and the world so these will be essential to keep the lens clear.
- Mostly used by anyone with quality camera gear.
- $10
Similar Products to Watch Out For
-
Canon EOS 1D -
FUJIFILM X-T20 -
NIKON D7200 -
Final Thoughts
