This topic is in the 2018 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2018Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
p.11 #1Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nhsonyshooter wrote:
Zeiss has learned nothing in my opinion. They continue to produce Batis lenses that are unnecessarily plump. People want small and compact.
If you were correct, then the Otus line of lenses would not be selling well and Zeiss would not be expanding the line.
The Leica SL lenses are also large and heavy, yet, Leica sells everyone that they make. The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
The new Fuji medium format is making waves, that is not a small and compact system. Check out the increases in their sales and market share. Fuji figured it out, IQ first, high performance first, people will adapt and get used to the size.
nhsonyshooter wrote:
The ZX-1 is just another example of the disconnect between what Zeiss "thinks" people want, and what they really want. And the sales will prove that out. Right now they are still trying to figure out what to price this thing at ..
They will price it within 10% of the Leica Q; either above or below.
If you were correct, the Leica Q would not sell well, but it does sell well at double the price most people in this thread said they would pay. Again, you are not the target market. The target market buys the Leica Q in large enough numbers to justify its production.
People like you that claim they want small and compact are not the majority of the Zeiss target market. The majority of that target market put IQ ahead of size. Zeiss is like Porsche, they aren't interested in making a Honda Civic; that's not their market focus or strategy.
nhsonyshooter wrote:
People want small and compact..
You want cheap disposable junk lenses? There are plenty out there.
You want small and compact? buy an iPhone, it is the number 1 selling camera world wide, plus it makes phone calls.....
Zeiss has learned nothing in my opinion. They continue to produce Batis lenses that are unnecessarily plump. People want small and compact.
If you were correct, then the Otus line of lenses would not be selling well and Zeiss would not be expanding the line.
The Leica SL lenses are also large and heavy, yet, Leica sells everyone that they make. The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
The new Fuji medium format is making waves, that is not a small and compact system. Check out the increases in their sales and market share. Fuji figured it out, IQ first, high performance first, people will adapt and get used to the size.
nhsonyshooter wrote:
The ZX-1 is just another example of the disconnect between what Zeiss "thinks" people want, and what they really want. And the sales will prove that out. Right now they are still trying to figure out what to price this thing at ..
They will price it within 10% of the Leica Q; either above or below.
If you were correct, the Leica Q would not sell well, but it does sell well at double the price most people in this thread said they would pay. Again, you are not the target market. The target market buys the Leica Q in large enough numbers to justify its production.
People like you that claim they want small and compact are not the majority of the Zeiss target market. The majority of that target market put IQ ahead of size. Zeiss is like Porsche, they aren't interested in making a Honda Civic; that's not their market focus or strategy.
nhsonyshooter wrote:
People want small and compact..
You want cheap disposable junk lenses? There are plenty out there.
You want small and compact? buy an iPhone, it is the number 1 selling camera world wide, plus it makes phone calls.....
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:49 AM
p.11 #2Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
BrianC inAZ wrote:
The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
Of their beloved pets- cats and dogs?
Once they find out that Huawei makes phone cameras with Leica lenses, they will switch.
The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
Of their beloved pets- cats and dogs?
Once they find out that Huawei makes phone cameras with Leica lenses, they will switch.
Dec 14, 2018 at 09:00 AM
p.11 #3Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Samsung is no 1 not Apple. 
BrianC inAZ wrote:
You want small and compact? buy an iPhone, it is the number 1 selling camera world wide, plus it makes phone calls.....
BrianC inAZ wrote:
You want small and compact? buy an iPhone, it is the number 1 selling camera world wide, plus it makes phone calls.....
Dec 14, 2018 at 09:04 AM
p.11 #4Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I read a statistic that the iPhone is the number 1 camera based upon photos posted on the internet.
I didn't say it is the best selling phone....
If you want to troll, try the ocean....
I didn't say it is the best selling phone....
If you want to troll, try the ocean....
Dec 14, 2018 at 09:08 AM
p.11 #5Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
You are in the Sony section and falsely claiming many things. What is your game?
Dec 14, 2018 at 09:11 AM
p.11 #6Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
alundeb wrote:
YiM1 is a Chinese m43rds camera.
The ZX1 is going to be made in China.Yongnuo got problems naming their first mirrorless camera...
https://petapixel.com/2018/10/30/yongnuo-is-developing-a-mirrorless-camera/
At least they have understood the concept of an android based camera, and include 4G connectivity.
https://www.dpreview.com/news/9964342164/yongnuo-teases-yn450-mirrorless-camera-with-android-4g-connectivity
Thank you. I missed this one (Yongnuo). Very interesting. I expect to see more ZX1 and similar interpretations of this concept coming soon. Not sure why news of the ZX1 went dark, but one way or the other I think this concept will prevail in one form or another.
bushwacker wrote
realVivek wrote
The design (shape) of the ZX1 is oddly very similar to the YiM1.YiM1 is a Chinese m43rds camera.
The ZX1 is going to be made in China.
https://petapixel.com/2018/10/30/yongnuo-is-developing-a-mirrorless-camera/
https://www.dpreview.com/news/9964342164/yongnuo-teases-yn450-mirrorless-camera-with-android-4g-connectivity
Thank you. I missed this one (Yongnuo). Very interesting. I expect to see more ZX1 and similar interpretations of this concept coming soon. Not sure why news of the ZX1 went dark, but one way or the other I think this concept will prevail in one form or another.
Dec 14, 2018 at 10:51 AM
p.11 #7Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
My initial enthusiasm for this camera was tempered after I read this article:
https://www.raylarose.com/words/the-new-zeiss-zx1
Some of the comments by the poster were especially disappointing including:
"Keeping in mind I had a beta sensor at the time, I would rate the low light performance below that of the A7 - it just wasn't there yet (but, that's one of the changes I suggested that is getting re-vamped). For IQ in good light, it's right on par with the A7, if not a notch above. I swore some of the images coming off there were medium format in look (they weren't)."
"The beta version I had did hunt a bit more than my Sony A7R II and about the same as the Hasselblad X1D. I know this was one of the improvements they were going to work on between the beta and production builds (though I have not had my hands on a final production unit at this point)."
"As it's slower to use than the Sony RX1r family, I'd rule it out as an action camera - though there's no reason you couldn't get good results with action. I know I keep comparing it to the MF Hasselblad X1D - but that's the closest thing I can compare to in terms of size and speed. It falls squarely between the RX1r and X1D in my experience."
These issues don't seem like easy software fixes - slower than the RX1r, AF comparable to the X1D (no phase detect?), and lowlight performance worse than the A7. These issues make the camera a lot less compelling - Zeiss would be better off creating an APS-C or 1in sensor version with a better sensor than release this. I'm hoping they are taking feedback and massively re-designing it (license the Sony architecture).
Edit: also the workflow for Lightroom doesn't seem great: "Though you can use LR presets, it's only after taking the photo. I see what you mean about having it auto-applied, which would be cool. But no, you take the raw, launch LR (swipe down), and then you can apply presets."
Having played with Lightroom mobile, it's not a particularly seamless workflow to me. What they really need is something more akin to instagram - take photo, pick filter, save down, post (also need a wireless radio) with the ability to then go and edit later.
https://www.raylarose.com/words/the-new-zeiss-zx1
Some of the comments by the poster were especially disappointing including:
"Keeping in mind I had a beta sensor at the time, I would rate the low light performance below that of the A7 - it just wasn't there yet (but, that's one of the changes I suggested that is getting re-vamped). For IQ in good light, it's right on par with the A7, if not a notch above. I swore some of the images coming off there were medium format in look (they weren't)."
"The beta version I had did hunt a bit more than my Sony A7R II and about the same as the Hasselblad X1D. I know this was one of the improvements they were going to work on between the beta and production builds (though I have not had my hands on a final production unit at this point)."
"As it's slower to use than the Sony RX1r family, I'd rule it out as an action camera - though there's no reason you couldn't get good results with action. I know I keep comparing it to the MF Hasselblad X1D - but that's the closest thing I can compare to in terms of size and speed. It falls squarely between the RX1r and X1D in my experience."
These issues don't seem like easy software fixes - slower than the RX1r, AF comparable to the X1D (no phase detect?), and lowlight performance worse than the A7. These issues make the camera a lot less compelling - Zeiss would be better off creating an APS-C or 1in sensor version with a better sensor than release this. I'm hoping they are taking feedback and massively re-designing it (license the Sony architecture).
Edit: also the workflow for Lightroom doesn't seem great: "Though you can use LR presets, it's only after taking the photo. I see what you mean about having it auto-applied, which would be cool. But no, you take the raw, launch LR (swipe down), and then you can apply presets."
Having played with Lightroom mobile, it's not a particularly seamless workflow to me. What they really need is something more akin to instagram - take photo, pick filter, save down, post (also need a wireless radio) with the ability to then go and edit later.
Dec 14, 2018 at 12:52 PM
p.11 #9Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
BrianC inAZ wrote:
If you were correct, then the Otus line of lenses would not be selling well and Zeiss would not be expanding the line.
The Leica SL lenses are also large and heavy, yet, Leica sells everyone that they make. The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
The new Fuji medium format is making waves, that is not a small and compact system. Check out the increases in their sales and market share. Fuji figured it out, IQ first, high performance first, people will adapt and get used to the size.
They will price it within 10% of the Leica Q;...Show more →
I am correct because look at the Batis line. Zeiss was more concerned about the "design" and keeping the filter thread the same than anything else. They even had to resort to gimmicks like the OLED to sell their lenses. If they were in such demand today you would not be getting discounts on them like you are right now. The best lens they produced for Sony was probably the 21mm Loxia and they just discounted it by almost half to move product. That should tell you something. Look,the Optics are great but there is not a large gap anymore in the Sony line up. It's not Zeiss at the top then everyone else below. Those days are gone. CV and Sony for example produce some damn nice lens now that compete and even beat Batis and Loxia lenses. 2019 is not going to be like it was in the past. Zeiss isn't going to be able to slap a blue badge on things and charge a premium, there are to many alternatives that are just as good or better. Why do you think they are trying to get back into the camera game. Because they even know about the challenges they have moving forward with competitive lenses. If they want to stay relevant and charge premium pricing than they should roll out these rumored ALON lenses. I would be first in line and happy to pay a premium for those
Show me your source please that the Q is selling well? How do you know I am not the target market. You know nothing about me. Rx1rii is a better camera than the Q at least for me.The size and higher MP makes it any easy choice. Price has nothing to do with it.
The fact you equate small and compact to "cheap disposable junk" tells me everything I need to know about you
nhsonyshooter wrote
Zeiss has learned nothing in my opinion. They continue to produce Batis lenses that are unnecessarily plump. People want small and compact.The Leica SL lenses are also large and heavy, yet, Leica sells everyone that they make. The buyers post pictures and rave about the IQ.
The new Fuji medium format is making waves, that is not a small and compact system. Check out the increases in their sales and market share. Fuji figured it out, IQ first, high performance first, people will adapt and get used to the size.
nhsonyshooter wrote
The ZX-1 is just another example of the disconnect between what Zeiss "thinks" people want, and what they really want. And the sales will prove that out. Right now they are still trying to figure out what to price this thing at ..nhsonyshooter wrote
People want small and compact..I am correct because look at the Batis line. Zeiss was more concerned about the "design" and keeping the filter thread the same than anything else. They even had to resort to gimmicks like the OLED to sell their lenses. If they were in such demand today you would not be getting discounts on them like you are right now. The best lens they produced for Sony was probably the 21mm Loxia and they just discounted it by almost half to move product. That should tell you something. Look,the Optics are great but there is not a large gap anymore in the Sony line up. It's not Zeiss at the top then everyone else below. Those days are gone. CV and Sony for example produce some damn nice lens now that compete and even beat Batis and Loxia lenses. 2019 is not going to be like it was in the past. Zeiss isn't going to be able to slap a blue badge on things and charge a premium, there are to many alternatives that are just as good or better. Why do you think they are trying to get back into the camera game. Because they even know about the challenges they have moving forward with competitive lenses. If they want to stay relevant and charge premium pricing than they should roll out these rumored ALON lenses. I would be first in line and happy to pay a premium for those
Show me your source please that the Q is selling well? How do you know I am not the target market. You know nothing about me. Rx1rii is a better camera than the Q at least for me.The size and higher MP makes it any easy choice. Price has nothing to do with it.
The fact you equate small and compact to "cheap disposable junk" tells me everything I need to know about you
Dec 14, 2018 at 06:59 PM
p.11 #10Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
realVivek wrote:
Samsung is no 1 not Apple.
Worldwide market share of phones currently in use is 34% Apple and 32% Samsung, but it isn't really important.
The jest of the comment is the same. If you want small and compact, get a smart phone....
Samsung is no 1 not Apple.
BrianC inAZ wrote
You want small and compact? buy an iPhone, it is the number 1 selling camera world wide, plus it makes phone calls.....Worldwide market share of phones currently in use is 34% Apple and 32% Samsung, but it isn't really important.
The jest of the comment is the same. If you want small and compact, get a smart phone....
Dec 14, 2018 at 07:50 PM
p.11 #12Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
realVivek wrote:
You are in the Sony section and falsely claiming many things. What is your game?
I don't care if this is a Sony Forum or not. Does that make it special?
I saw a title about the Zeiss camera and a poll. I was curious about the consensus regarding the Zeiss camera.
As usual on this site, there are a lot of Sony, Canon, Nikon fanboys that claim Zeiss and Leica are overpriced, not worth it, blah, blah, blah.
They never used either brand (generally speaking), but don't hesitate to spout off how Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc are better and cheaper.
I just point out the facts. The Leica Q sells well. The buyers are happy with them and post their pictures on the Leica forums. Rarely do their pictures feature their pets, contrary to the snide comment made by some idiot earlier.
Nothing I posted is false (as you stated), unless Samsung does surpass Apple in total users (but again, it doesn't change the intent).
It seems the fanboys like to make personal attacks instead of having honest discussions that may hurt their view of the world as they see it.
If you want to see how people feel about their camera, go to eBay and do a search. The Q pricing is solid. You almost never see a used one for sale.
The T, TL, and TL2 also are holding their prices, in the past month, 3 used TL2 camera were listed and 2 sold within a week. I know because I was looking for a used one to try astrophotography.
Signs of good demand and happy users.
Look for a used SL, good luck, not many except the ones used by professionals with 20,000 or 30,000 exposures on them.
The Zeiss is aimed squarely at the Q market. You guys aren't the market for it, but there is a market for it. The comments about it needs to be $1999USD show the lack of knowledge by those people. The Q is considerably more than $1999USD and sells. The Zeiss will be priced accordingly.
It is obvious that Zeiss has seen good sales numbers from the Otus line. They already expanded it. If the 55 hadn't sold well do you think they would have introduced a 28mm? They even went so far as to make it bigger than the 55!
Some of the GFX guys are using the Otus lenses as well. Zeiss knows what they are doing despite what the "experts" on this forum post.
You are in the Sony section and falsely claiming many things. What is your game?
I don't care if this is a Sony Forum or not. Does that make it special?
I saw a title about the Zeiss camera and a poll. I was curious about the consensus regarding the Zeiss camera.
As usual on this site, there are a lot of Sony, Canon, Nikon fanboys that claim Zeiss and Leica are overpriced, not worth it, blah, blah, blah.
They never used either brand (generally speaking), but don't hesitate to spout off how Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc are better and cheaper.
I just point out the facts. The Leica Q sells well. The buyers are happy with them and post their pictures on the Leica forums. Rarely do their pictures feature their pets, contrary to the snide comment made by some idiot earlier.
Nothing I posted is false (as you stated), unless Samsung does surpass Apple in total users (but again, it doesn't change the intent).
It seems the fanboys like to make personal attacks instead of having honest discussions that may hurt their view of the world as they see it.
If you want to see how people feel about their camera, go to eBay and do a search. The Q pricing is solid. You almost never see a used one for sale.
The T, TL, and TL2 also are holding their prices, in the past month, 3 used TL2 camera were listed and 2 sold within a week. I know because I was looking for a used one to try astrophotography.
Signs of good demand and happy users.
Look for a used SL, good luck, not many except the ones used by professionals with 20,000 or 30,000 exposures on them.
The Zeiss is aimed squarely at the Q market. You guys aren't the market for it, but there is a market for it. The comments about it needs to be $1999USD show the lack of knowledge by those people. The Q is considerably more than $1999USD and sells. The Zeiss will be priced accordingly.
It is obvious that Zeiss has seen good sales numbers from the Otus line. They already expanded it. If the 55 hadn't sold well do you think they would have introduced a 28mm? They even went so far as to make it bigger than the 55!
Some of the GFX guys are using the Otus lenses as well. Zeiss knows what they are doing despite what the "experts" on this forum post.
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:10 PM
p.11 #13Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
OK, it seems serious.
Leica Q selling well...
I am torn between the choices:
Khaki or Snow white
http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-Q/LEICA-Q/Special-Editions
Or go “stealth”
https://www.diyphotography.net/new-leica-q-p-is-a-stealth-version-of-leica-q/
Or wait for a 2019 ltd edition?
Money no object, of course! It is a question of statement.
If Zeiss wants to compete against that then they could at least make their camera less ugly.
Leica Q selling well...
I am torn between the choices:
Khaki or Snow white
http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-Q/LEICA-Q/Special-Editions
Or go “stealth”
https://www.diyphotography.net/new-leica-q-p-is-a-stealth-version-of-leica-q/
Or wait for a 2019 ltd edition?
Money no object, of course! It is a question of statement.
If Zeiss wants to compete against that then they could at least make their camera less ugly.
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:24 PM
p.11 #14Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
realVivek wrote:
If Zeiss wants to compete against that then they could at least make their camera less ugly.
But "ugly" is part to the appeal.
If Zeiss wants to compete against that then they could at least make their camera less ugly.
But "ugly" is part to the appeal.
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:29 PM
AmbientMike
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p.11 #15Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I'd much rather have an ILC, it's a bit too connected for me, and I don't have Adobe CC. A bit concerned about the SSD, don't you have to power those up occasionally, to keep from losing your data?
But, if I had one, I think it'd be a cool camera to use.
It'd be a lot more exciting if Zeiss introduced an interchangeable lens camera. Hopefully they are going in that direction.
But, if I had one, I think it'd be a cool camera to use.
It'd be a lot more exciting if Zeiss introduced an interchangeable lens camera. Hopefully they are going in that direction.
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:38 PM
p.11 #16Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I can deal with the lack of stabilization, fixed lens, and internal ssd (maybe?), but the size is the off-putting thing for me. Compare to the pictures ive seen, its quite big when next to the rx1r or leica Q.
-4k30p is great
-full frame sensor and 35mm lens is great
-ssd....not sure about this, but maybe its ok?
-ill probably never use the internal lightroom since I prefer viewing on bigger screen and using the full lightroom app
As an all in one kit for full frame 35mm and 4k video, it might be alright? We'll see
-4k30p is great
-full frame sensor and 35mm lens is great
-ssd....not sure about this, but maybe its ok?
-ill probably never use the internal lightroom since I prefer viewing on bigger screen and using the full lightroom app
As an all in one kit for full frame 35mm and 4k video, it might be alright? We'll see
Dec 14, 2018 at 08:49 PM
p.11 #17Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
holy crap that thing is ugly
Edited on Dec 17, 2018 at 07:51 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Dec 17, 2018 at 07:51 AM · View previous versions
Dec 14, 2018 at 09:01 PM
p.11 #18Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Here are a couple interesting videos.
Read the comments from the owners of the Q
Read the comments from the owners of the Q
Dec 14, 2018 at 10:04 PM
p.11 #19Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
AmbientMike wrote:
I'd much rather have an ILC, it's a bit too connected for me, and I don't have Adobe CC. A bit concerned about the SSD, don't you have to power those up occasionally, to keep from losing your data?
But, if I had one, I think it'd be a cool camera to use.
It'd be a lot more exciting if Zeiss introduced an interchangeable lens camera. Hopefully they are going in that direction.
They have re-acquired the Contax name from Kyocera some years ago. If they were to resurrect that camera (I had and used the Contax RTSII with Zeiss lenses for 30 years without a single problem) I'd get it in a jiffy
I'd much rather have an ILC, it's a bit too connected for me, and I don't have Adobe CC. A bit concerned about the SSD, don't you have to power those up occasionally, to keep from losing your data?
But, if I had one, I think it'd be a cool camera to use.
It'd be a lot more exciting if Zeiss introduced an interchangeable lens camera. Hopefully they are going in that direction.
They have re-acquired the Contax name from Kyocera some years ago. If they were to resurrect that camera (I had and used the Contax RTSII with Zeiss lenses for 30 years without a single problem) I'd get it in a jiffy
Dec 15, 2018 at 01:00 AM
p.11 #20Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
tzhang4284 wrote:
My initial enthusiasm for this camera was tempered after I read this article:
https://www.raylarose.com/words/the-new-zeiss-zx1
Some of the comments by the poster were especially disappointing including:
"Keeping in mind I had a beta sensor at the time, I would rate the low light performance below that of the A7 - it just wasn't there yet (but, that's one of the changes I suggested that is getting re-vamped). For IQ in good light, it's right on par with the A7, if not a notch above. I swore some of the images coming off there were medium format in look (they weren't)."
"The beta version...Show more →
Thanks for posting! I hadn't seen this September 27th, ZX1 Hands-On review before. personally, I am surprised Zeiss hasn't done more to keep any sort of marketing mometum or awareness going for the ZX1 since its initial annoucement. So IMO even this pre production, tiny peek by Ray Larose is something of interest. Even more exciting to learn he was one of the beta testers last Spring with this camera out in the wild all over New England and NYC to "test out all the functions and ground-breaking ideas " Right under our noses!
I think this note explains why the strange information vacuum to date:
"NOTE: I am still under an NDA, so what I can share here is quite limited. As it’s beta, I have not been given the all clear to share images produced with my copy."
Couple of take aways that caught my attention:
"The rear screen is incredible. A bright (even in bright sunlight) 1280x720 4.3” touchscreen with intuitive menus and quick response."
"Being able to take a shot, swipe of a thumb to add my own custom preset in Lightroom CC, then exporting it to social media - with nothing more than a click...And having all this stored on an internal 512 GB SSD drive rather than SD cards might be a game changer for many"
"Holding it in the hand is like nothing else on the market right now. When I first grabbed it, it reminded me (slightly) of the X1D and much nicer to hold than the Sony RX1R II. It’s definitely meatier than the Sony A7R II as well. The slight curve to the body is a dream and fits the hand really well. "
"Raw photos are exceptional (even in the current beta state and hopefully something I can share soon) - a look that’s really approaching medium format for me. There was something special about the output from this camera"
"I haven’t heard anything on pricing, so we’ll let Zeiss announce that at release in early 2019."
More information in his responses to the comments:
On comparing to the Sonnar on the RX1R II, RX1RII:
"Hi Mike-
I feel this one has a touch more character than the RX1R II version. I see it have a smoother bokeh and a nice edge to edge sharpness. As you know, the RX1R II has slight distortion in the edges, something I didn't see on the ZX1. Also, the body here is much larger (taller, thicker) and feels right in the hand. For me, it's a much better size to shoot with. The RX1R II and A7R II just seemed too short in my hands.
Ray "
A few more of my own thoughts:
Not sure I will ever purchase the ZX1 or any other fixed lens camera, but I too feel its the beginning of something new and I'll even agree to calling it a "ground breaking concept" for an advanced, pro level camera. I fully expect other pro level cameras will adopt at least some of the ZX1's concept.
The more I use LR CC mobile to process RAW images on the new USB-C 2018 iPad Pro from both my Sony A7r III and Leica M10, the more I am impressed with what I can do with LR CC on the iPad. The work flow experience includes truly zippy editing performance and more than basic editing capabilities just keep getting better with every LR CC update. Based upon this very positive experience for me so far, I can't help thinking about how beneficial it would be to have all of this processing and distribution capability on the one camera alone. With that said, the one device ZX1 concept just makes a hell of a lot of practical sense to me. Somebody had to get this started and like many of you, I am still suprised ZEISS of all companies came to the market with this product now lets see what they can do with it. So far the lack of marketing and information blackout IMO might not be the best way forward, but hoping that changes soon. People want to know !
My initial enthusiasm for this camera was tempered after I read this article:
https://www.raylarose.com/words/the-new-zeiss-zx1
Some of the comments by the poster were especially disappointing including:
"Keeping in mind I had a beta sensor at the time, I would rate the low light performance below that of the A7 - it just wasn't there yet (but, that's one of the changes I suggested that is getting re-vamped). For IQ in good light, it's right on par with the A7, if not a notch above. I swore some of the images coming off there were medium format in look (they weren't)."
"The beta version...Show more →
Thanks for posting! I hadn't seen this September 27th, ZX1 Hands-On review before. personally, I am surprised Zeiss hasn't done more to keep any sort of marketing mometum or awareness going for the ZX1 since its initial annoucement. So IMO even this pre production, tiny peek by Ray Larose is something of interest. Even more exciting to learn he was one of the beta testers last Spring with this camera out in the wild all over New England and NYC to "test out all the functions and ground-breaking ideas " Right under our noses!
I think this note explains why the strange information vacuum to date:
"NOTE: I am still under an NDA, so what I can share here is quite limited. As it’s beta, I have not been given the all clear to share images produced with my copy."
Couple of take aways that caught my attention:
"The rear screen is incredible. A bright (even in bright sunlight) 1280x720 4.3” touchscreen with intuitive menus and quick response."
"Being able to take a shot, swipe of a thumb to add my own custom preset in Lightroom CC, then exporting it to social media - with nothing more than a click...And having all this stored on an internal 512 GB SSD drive rather than SD cards might be a game changer for many"
"Holding it in the hand is like nothing else on the market right now. When I first grabbed it, it reminded me (slightly) of the X1D and much nicer to hold than the Sony RX1R II. It’s definitely meatier than the Sony A7R II as well. The slight curve to the body is a dream and fits the hand really well. "
"Raw photos are exceptional (even in the current beta state and hopefully something I can share soon) - a look that’s really approaching medium format for me. There was something special about the output from this camera"
"I haven’t heard anything on pricing, so we’ll let Zeiss announce that at release in early 2019."
More information in his responses to the comments:
On comparing to the Sonnar on the RX1R II, RX1RII:
"Hi Mike-
I feel this one has a touch more character than the RX1R II version. I see it have a smoother bokeh and a nice edge to edge sharpness. As you know, the RX1R II has slight distortion in the edges, something I didn't see on the ZX1. Also, the body here is much larger (taller, thicker) and feels right in the hand. For me, it's a much better size to shoot with. The RX1R II and A7R II just seemed too short in my hands.
Ray "
A few more of my own thoughts:
Not sure I will ever purchase the ZX1 or any other fixed lens camera, but I too feel its the beginning of something new and I'll even agree to calling it a "ground breaking concept" for an advanced, pro level camera. I fully expect other pro level cameras will adopt at least some of the ZX1's concept.
The more I use LR CC mobile to process RAW images on the new USB-C 2018 iPad Pro from both my Sony A7r III and Leica M10, the more I am impressed with what I can do with LR CC on the iPad. The work flow experience includes truly zippy editing performance and more than basic editing capabilities just keep getting better with every LR CC update. Based upon this very positive experience for me so far, I can't help thinking about how beneficial it would be to have all of this processing and distribution capability on the one camera alone. With that said, the one device ZX1 concept just makes a hell of a lot of practical sense to me. Somebody had to get this started and like many of you, I am still suprised ZEISS of all companies came to the market with this product now lets see what they can do with it. So far the lack of marketing and information blackout IMO might not be the best way forward, but hoping that changes soon. People want to know !
Dec 15, 2018 at 06:07 AM