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Nikon Z30 Comparison Review

The Nikon Z30 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was revealed to the public in June 2022 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 20.7 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon Z30 a good camera? The Z30 has a Camera Elo of 2746. This rating puts the Z30 among the top 40 percent of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the Z30 ranks among the top 10 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4.5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Z30
Mirrorless system camera
20.7 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 51 200 (100 - 204 800)
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
330 shots per battery charge
128 x 74 x 60 mm, 405 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Nikon Z30 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon Z30 vs credit card front
Z30 versus credit card top view
Z30 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon Z30 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z30 128 mm 74 mm 60 mm 405 g 330 Y Jun 2022 709 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon R50 116 mm 86 mm 69 mm 375 g 230 n Feb 2023 679 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 121 mm 84 mm 55 mm 370 g 270 n Jan 2020 699ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z fc 135 mm 94 mm 44 mm 445 g 300 n Jun 2021 959 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z50 127 mm 94 mm 60 mm 450 g 320 Y Oct 2019 859 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3 111 mm 65 mm 33 mm 381 g 310 n Mar 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G110 116 mm 83 mm 54 mm 352 g 270 n Jun 2020 649 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony ZV-E10 115 mm 64 mm 45 mm 343 g 440 n Jul 2021 699 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon Z30 was launched in the US market at a price of $709. 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.

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Check Z30 price at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Nikon Z30 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon Z30 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Nikon Z30 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z30 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.313.9223086
2.
 
Canon R50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.9216884
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6199184
4.
 
Nikon Z fc APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.213.8213185
5.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
6.
 
Nikon Z50 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.113.6196384
7.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.738452
9.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
10.
 
Panasonic G110 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.2139176
11.
 
Sony ZV-E10 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.213.8213485
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The Z30 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the Z30 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Nikon Z30 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Z30none n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon R502360 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon Z fc2360 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon Z502360 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G1103680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/500s 10.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony ZV-E10none n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Nikon Z30 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the Z30

One convenient feature of the Z30 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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 Nikon Z30 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Canon R50Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon Z fcYstereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3-stereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Panasonic G110Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
11.
 
Sony ZV-E10Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
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It is notable that the Z30 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the Z30 can be found in the free online Nikon Z30 Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Z30 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z304/5..4/586/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2022 709 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon R504/5+ +..84/100..4.5/5 Feb 2023 679 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T2003.5/5..4/582/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2020 699ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z fc4/5..4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2021 959 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z505/5..5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 859 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 V33/5....76/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G1104/5..4/578/1004/54/5 Jun 2020 649 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony ZV-E104/5..4/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2021 699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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.

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Check Z30 price at
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Nikon Z30 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Z30.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Nikon Z30 based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Nikon Z30 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Nikon equipped the Z30 with the EXPEED 6 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon Z30?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200.

Does the Nikon Z30 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the Z30 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon Z30?

Nikon does not publish a shutter rating for the Z30. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon Z30?

Nikon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your Z30 has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Nikon Z30?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Nikon Z30?

No, the Nikon Z30 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Nikon Z30?

The Z30 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Nikon Z30 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Nikon Z30 for flash photography?

The Z30's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.

Does the Nikon Z30 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Nikon Z30 use?

The camera gets its power from the EN-EL25 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Nikon Z30?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Nikon.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An 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 Summary
    Camera Model Nikon Z30
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens
    Launch Date June 2022
    Launch Price USD 709
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 369 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 568 x 3 712 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.22 μm
    Pixel Density 5.60 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 204 800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 6
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type EN-EL25 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 128 x 74 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 2.9 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 405 g (14.3 oz)

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