Innovative Camera Concept from ZEISS: Full-Frame and Full Connectivity for Creative Photography Workflow on the go

The ZEISS ZX1 is now available in the United States and Germany

  • Hardware and software for a seamless creative process “Shoot. Edit. Share.”
  • Newly developed ZEISS Distagon 35 mm lens with perfectly matched ZEISS sensor for maximum image quality – without any compromises in the photographic process
  • Combination of new camera technology and Adobe Photoshop LightroomTM features built right in
  • Multi-award-winning ergonomic design allows high photo and video quality and the intuitive photo editing and publishing of smartphones

Oberkochen, Germany | 29 October 2020 | ZEISS Consumer Products

The ZEISS ZX1 is now available at selected dealers in the United States and Germany. “The concept of the ZEISS ZX1 opens up new ways in digital and connected photography,” said Jörg Schmitz, Head of ZEISS Consumer Products on the sales start. “The ZEISS ZX1 combines the potential and superior image quality of a full-frame camera with the mobile experience and intuitive use of smartphones for photography.” The sales start has been long awaited in the community. "We have once again worked intensively on the overall workflow and the smooth integration of hardware and software and are convinced that it was worth the wait," adds Schmitz.

ZEISS ZX1 © ZEISS
ZEISS ZX1
ZEISS ZX1 © ZEISS
ZEISS ZX1
ZEISS ZX1 © ZEISS
ZEISS ZX1

Perfect for the Seamless Photography Workflow

A newly designed, built-in ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus is perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed by ZEISS. The lens and sensor work together to create true-to-life images of the highest quality over the entire image featuring the typical ZEISS look. The look is characterized by an exceptional image definition, natural colors and a 3D pop effect. The virtually silent shutter allows to fully focus on what’s happening in the shot and produce an image with a special atmosphere.

Discover Intuitive Image Editing

With its 4.3-inch multi-touch display, the ZEISS ZX1 allows photographers to professionally edit images directly on the camera. Using the Adobe Photoshop LightroomTM app built right into the camera, users can even professionally edit RAW images – with easy to use tools, sliders and presets. The ZEISS ZX1 comes with a free one-year Lightroom subscription including 1TB of cloud storage.

The visually clear user interface supports the user’s individual workflow by providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via the display. Thanks to the distinctive bend in the display, the camera fits more comfortably in the hand and is particularly easy to operate.

The minimalist design represents the new and ambitious concept of the ZEISS ZX1 and has already received several international design awards, even before the product started to ship.

Share and Save Images in an Intelligent and Connected Way

The selected images can be uploaded directly to the cloud or social media platforms – without needing to first transfer them to memory cards or other external devices. “The camera addresses users who are increasingly shaping the world of photography: ambitious amateurs and creative professionals who want to quickly and efficiently capture their images and post them online to delight their audience,” said Dr. Ulrich Wagemann, project manager for the ZEISS ZX1. “This requires a perfect workflow, and that’s why we are breaking new ground conceptually".

The 512 GB internal memory provides enough space for almost 7,000 RAW files or more than 50,000 JPGs. Multifunctional interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C ensure that users can connect nearly any conceivable peripheral device to the camera. At the same time, the camera’s software can be updated wirelessly, i.e. without needing to connect it to an external computer.

Feedback from the First Users

The ZEISS ZX1 was tested by numerous photographers worldwide. Their feedback was continuously incorporated into the ongoing development of the camera concept. One of the first to test the ZEISS ZX1 was well-known music photographer and video director Greg Watermann. He describes his first experiences taking pictures of the streets of Miami Beach: “The image quality from the ZEISS sensor is really insane giving a level of detail much higher than I expected. And I love the lens – it responds just like any fast ZEISS 35 mm lens. The color is beautiful and detail separation in the highlights and the shadows is superb.”

ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Greg Watermann © Greg Watermann
ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Greg Watermann

Also Swedish photographer Hans Strand was among the first to use the full-format camera and describes his experiences of processing pictures on the device: “The details and color rendition is also in the JPEG format so good with this camera. When working on the RAW files, I try to make it look as nice as the JPEG from the camera. They can be used right away."

ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Hans Strand © Hans Strand
ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Hans Strand

Travel and street photography expert Csaba Desvari had the ZEISS ZX1 with him when he travelled through the streets of Manila: “The way this camera has been designed the minimal approach just works. It has a special vibe and the reduction to the essential invites to capture moments and use it again and again. Feels incredibly good in the hand.” When asked about the handling of the fixed lens, he said: “Sometimes life does not wait for the right equipment. Therefore, the fixed lens camera gives me the freedom to be only a photographer and disconnect from being a gadget guru, who changes hardware continuously.”

ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Csaba Desvari © Csaba Desvari
ZEISS ZX1 application image ©Csaba Desvari

You will find the complete interviews and a selection of images here.

Availability

The ZEISS ZX1 is now available at selected dealers in Germany at a price of 6,000 euros incl. VAT. In the United States it is available at a price of 6.000 US-Dollars excl. tax. Orders are possible starting from now on. Further information is available here.

Product images and images of the camera in use can be downloaded here.

History of cameras from ZEISS

With the ZEISS ZX1, we are offering a new concept to the camera market – from the initial design sketch to the finished camera, the ZEISS ZX1 was developed in-house. As partner for an entire industry, ZEISS has, in its long tradition, itself produced countless innovations in the field of photography and influenced the development of the German camera industry. Read more about the history of cameras from ZEISS and its subsidiaries here.

Adobe, the Adobe logo, Lightroom, and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe in the United States and/or other countries.

Press Contact

Christina Mayer
ZEISS Consumer Products
Phone: +49 7364 20 62074
christina .mayer @zeiss .com

www.zeiss.com/cop/newsroom

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling more than 6.4 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2019).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership.

With over 31,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites and 25 development sites. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

Consumer Products

ZEISS Consumer Products combines the company's business with camera and cine lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes and hunting optics. The unit is allocated to the Consumer Markets segment and is represented at sites in Oberkochen and Wetzlar.

Press Photos
Further Articles

vivo and ZEISS deepen global imaging collaboration

vivo and ZEISS continue to deepen global imaging collaboration in the fourth year of cooperation

vivo Senior Executives Visit ZEISS Headquarters to Continuously Deepen Global Imaging Strategic Partnership in the fo...

18 Mar 2024

ZEISS introduces the Nano Prime family of high-speed cine lenses for mirrorless full frame cameras

ZEISS Nano Primes combine a cinematic look with a lightweight and compact design

ZEISS Nano Primes are the first high-speed (T1.5 throughout) cine lenses made specifically for mirrorless full frame ...

6 Feb 2024

ZEISS DTC 4/50 - New thermal imaging clip-on from ZEISS.

With the ZEISS DTC 4/50, ZEISS presents its new thermal imaging clip-on with a large sensor for maximum accuracy when hunting at night.

ZEISS presents its new ZEISS DTC 4/50 thermal imaging clip-on for night hunting.

10 Jan 2024