Zeiss combines full-frame sensor, 35mm f/2 lens, SSD storage & Lightroom CC in sleek all-in-one camera
posted Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 5:31 PM EDT
Click here to read our Zeiss ZX1 Preview
After teasing a new camera earlier this month, Zeiss has taken the wraps off the ZX1, which is perhaps an even more distinct camera than anyone would have guessed. The ZX1 includes a 37.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, developed by Zeiss, paired with a built-in and fixed 35mm f/2.0 lens. That alone makes for an interesting camera, but the ZX1 also includes a massive 4.3-inch multitouch display, aluminum body, 512GB of built-in SSD storage and Adobe Lightroom CC built right into the camera.
If you're scratching your heads, you're not alone, because that is one interesting combination!
The new mirrorless full-frame camera aims to combine pro-level image quality with an intuitive and smartphone-inspired user interface, which you can see in action in our ZX1 Preview. The ZX1 is being marketed in terms of “shoot, edit and share.” What this amounts to with respect to shooting is the Zeiss-designed sensor and integrated Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus capabilities which have been tuned to the sensor.
Taking a look at “editing,” the ZX1 can process its raw files in camera thanks to fully-integrated Adobe Lightroom CC software, which can be utilized via the camera’s 4.3-inch multitouch display, much like what you would experience on a powerful smartphone with Lightroom. Finally, “share” is accomplished via built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) or through the use of USB-C. Thanks to 512GB of internal storage, you can store up to 6,800 raw (.DNG) files or over 50,000 .JPG files on the camera before you need to worry about making space. You can also store up to 20 hours of 4K UHD video, as the ZX1 can record 4K/30p video as well.
Looking closer at the design of the ZX1, the camera has an aluminum body and a very sleek shape. The back of the camera is dominated by the large touchscreen and you can see there is a built-in electronic viewfinder too.
Regarding pricing and availability, all we know is that the camera is expected to arrive in early 2019. If you’d like to stay up to date, click here to subscribe to Zeiss’ ZX1 newsletter. For a breakdown of all we know about the Zeiss ZX1, including more information on the image sensor, autofocus, shooting features and design, read our Zeiss ZX1 Preview.