Panasonic G2 vs Zeiss ZX1

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and the Zeiss ZX1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2010 and September 2018. The G2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the ZX1 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (G2) and a full frame (ZX1) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Zeiss provides 37.4 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic G2		Zeiss ZX1
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses		35mm f/2.8
12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor		37.4 MP, Full Frame Sensor
720/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400		ISO 80-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (6221k dots)
3.0 LCD, 460k dots		4.3 LCD, 2765k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
2.6 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
360 shots per battery charge		250 shots per battery charge
124 x 84 x 74 mm, 428 g		142 x 93 x 46 mm, 800 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and the Zeiss ZX1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic G2 and the Zeiss ZX1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, blue, red), while the ZX1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Zeiss ZX1 is notably larger (27 percent) than the Panasonic G2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G2 nor the ZX1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the ZX1 has a lens built in, whereas the G2 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the G2 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Panasonic G2	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	428 g	360	n	Mar 2010	599
2.		Zeiss ZX1	142 mm	93 mm	46 mm	800 g	250	n	Sep 2018	5,999
3.		Leica Q2	130 mm	80 mm	92 mm	718 g	370	Y	Mar 2019	4,995
4.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
5.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
6.		Olympus E-PL2	114 mm	72 mm	42 mm	362 g	280	n	Jan 2011	599
7.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
8.		Panasonic GF5	108 mm	67 mm	37 mm	267 g	360	n	Apr 2012	499
9.		Panasonic G3	115 mm	84 mm	47 mm	336 g	270	n	May 2011	599
10.		Panasonic GF3	108 mm	67 mm	32 mm	264 g	300	n	Jun 2011	549
11.		Panasonic G10	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	388 g	380	n	Mar 2010	499
12.		Panasonic GF2	113 mm	68 mm	33 mm	310 g	300	n	Nov 2010	549
13.		Panasonic GH2	124 mm	90 mm	76 mm	442 g	330	n	Sep 2010	899
14.		Panasonic GF1	119 mm	71 mm	36 mm	385 g	380	n	Sep 2009	749
15.		Panasonic GH1	124 mm	90 mm	45 mm	385 g	300	n	Mar 2009	899
16.		Panasonic G1	124 mm	84 mm	45 mm	360 g	410	n	Sep 2008	599
17.		Sony RX1R II	113 mm	65 mm	72 mm	507 g	220	n	Oct 2015	3,299
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic G2 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Zeiss ZX1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the ZX1 is 284 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the G2 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the ZX1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 37.4MP, the ZX1 offers a higher resolution than the G2 (12MP), but the ZX1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.81μm versus 4.33μm for the G2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the ZX1 is a much more recent model (by 8 years and 6 months) than the G2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Zeiss ZX1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the ZX1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 37.4 x 25 inches or 95.1 x 63.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 30 x 20 inches or 76.1 x 50.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G2 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Zeiss ZX1 are ISO 80 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Panasonic G2	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.3	493	53
2.		Zeiss ZX1	Full Frame	37.4	7488	4992	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Leica Q2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/30p	26.4	13.5	2491	96
4.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
5.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
6.		Olympus E-PL2	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	720/30p	21.4	10.2	573	55
7.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517	64
8.		Panasonic GF5	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	21.4	11.6	618	61
9.		Panasonic G3	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	21.0	10.6	667	56
10.		Panasonic GF3	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.6	10.0	458	49
11.		Panasonic G10	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.1	411	52
12.		Panasonic GF2	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	21.2	10.3	506	54
13.		Panasonic GH2	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60i	21.2	11.3	655	60
14.		Panasonic GF1	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.3	513	54
15.		Panasonic GH1	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	21.6	11.6	772	64
16.		Panasonic G1	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	none	21.1	10.3	463	53
17.		Sony RX1R II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	1080/60p	25.8	13.9	3204	97

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the ZX1 provides a better video resolution than the G2. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the ZX1 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the G2 (6221k vs 1440k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic G2 and Zeiss ZX1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Panasonic G2	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	2.6	Y	n
2.		Zeiss ZX1	6221	n	4.3	2765	fixed	Y	1/1000s	3.0	n	n
3.		Leica Q2	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	20.0	n	Y
4.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
5.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	n	Y
6.		Olympus E-PL2	optional	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	Y
7.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
8.		Panasonic GF5	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
9.		Panasonic G3	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
10.		Panasonic GF3	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	Y	1/4000s	3.2	Y	n
11.		Panasonic G10	202	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.6	Y	n
12.		Panasonic GF2	optional	n	3.0	460	fixed	Y	1/4000s	2.6	Y	n
13.		Panasonic GH2	1534	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
14.		Panasonic GF1	optional	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
15.		Panasonic GH1	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
16.		Panasonic G1	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
17.		Sony RX1R II	2360	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G2 has one, while the ZX1 does not. While the built-in flash of the G2 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the ZX1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The G2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the ZX1 uses an internal SSD.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and Zeiss ZX1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Panasonic G2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Zeiss ZX1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	3.1	Y	Y	Y
3.		Leica Q2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	Y
4.		Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
5.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Olympus E-PL2	Y	stereo	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Panasonic GF5	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Panasonic G3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Panasonic GF3	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Panasonic G10	Y	mono	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Panasonic GF2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Panasonic GH2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Panasonic GF1	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic GH1	Y	stereo	-	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic G1	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony RX1R II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the ZX1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the G2 does not provide wifi capability.

The ZX1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Zeiss. In contrast, the G2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G2 was succeeded by the Panasonic G3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Zeiss websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic G2 or the Zeiss ZX1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2:

• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/1000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• More compact: Is smaller (124x84mm vs 142x93mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (360 versus 250) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.

Advantages of the Zeiss ZX1:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (37.4 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 80%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/30p).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (6221k vs 1440k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.70x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (4.3" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2765k vs 460k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the G2 necessitates an extra lens.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More prestigious: Has the Zeiss luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the ZX1 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic G2 and the Zeiss ZX1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the G2 and the ZX1 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Panasonic G2	..	..	72/100	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599
2.		Zeiss ZX1	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2018	5,999
3.		Leica Q2	..	..	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2019	4,995
4.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
5.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
6.		Olympus E-PL2	3/5	83/100	71/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2011	599
7.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
8.		Panasonic GF5	3/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	499
9.		Panasonic G3	3/5	+ +	75/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2011	599
10.		Panasonic GF3	3/5	82/100	71/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	549
11.		Panasonic G10	3/5	..	70/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2010	499
12.		Panasonic GF2	3/5	82/100	70/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2010	549
13.		Panasonic GH2	5/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2010	899
14.		Panasonic GF1	..	85/100	69/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	749
15.		Panasonic GH1	..	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	899
16.		Panasonic G1	..	+ +	70/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2008	599
17.		Sony RX1R II	5/5	..	82/100	..	4.5/5	Oct 2015	3,299
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Panasonic G2 vs Zeiss ZX1

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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