The Zeiss ZX1 is a full frame camera with Lightroom Inside

Smartphones offer an integrated edition, but dedicated cameras have better image quality – Zeiss thinks photographers should not have to choose between the two. The Zeiss ZX1 is a full-frame compact camera with integrated Adobe Lightroom CC – and a touch screen that rivals the size of a smartphone. Announced at the Photokina on Thursday, September 27, the conceptual camera should arrive in early 2019.

While many companies outsource the sensor, Zeiss manufactures both the lens and the ZX1 sensor, which allows for special calibration of the optics and sensor to work together. According to Zeiss, this offers a "first class image quality". The full-frame 37.4 megapixel sensor is paired with a built-in 35 mm f / 2 T * Zeiss Distagon. The camera is also the first full frame camera from Zeiss, a company known for its optics.

But the sensor and the lens are not so different from the camera: with Adobe Lightroom CC, the ZX1 is integrated. Photographers can edit images with the RAW Photo Editor thanks to the built-in 4.3-inch touch screen. mobile photo editing with full-size cameras.

In addition to not requiring a computer for modifications, the ZX1 does not need a card either – 518 GB of built-in memory stores up to 6,800 DNW RAW images on the device. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow sharing of these wireless images, while the camera also includes a USB-C connection.

With features that intersect between a dedicated camera and a smartphone, the body of the Zeiss ZX1 also looks like a mix of both types of technology. The back is dominated by the 4.3-inch touch screen next to the controls that change depending on the camera mode. To keep the controls separate from the touch screen, the screen bends slightly. The curvature at the back also helps to increase grip. The camera case also contains a mode dial and a shutter speed dial, as well as an electronic viewfinder. The larger screen, most other physical controls are missing, though.

"With our concept, we focus on ambitious professional creators who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people as possible on the Internet," said Jörg Schmitz, Head of Consumer Products at Zeiss. in a report. "This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. That's exactly what the Zeiss ZX1 concept offers. "

The Zeiss ZX1 has no price or release date yet – but with the full-screen sensor and the computing power needed to run Lightroom, it's probably not a cost-effective camera. Photographers can find a camera view in action – shooting and editing – and sign up to be notified of updates on the ZX1 website.