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Nikon Z30 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon Z30

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    Main Features

    • 21MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 100 - 51200( expands to 204800)
    • 3.00" Fully Articulated Screen
    • 11.0fps continuous shooting
    • 4K at 30fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 405g. 128 x 74 x 60 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon Z30 Overview

    First introduced in June 2022 , Nikon Z30 is a 21.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, weather sealed body, Fully articulated touch screen and Nikon Z lens mount.

    Nikon Z30 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon Z30 is the latest member of Nikon's Z series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon Z Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon Z30
    2022 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 128 x 74 x 60mm 405g
    Nikon Z9
    Compare
    2021 46.0MP - Full frame 30.0 fps 149 x 150 x 91mm 1340g
    Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    2021 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 135 x 94 x 44mm 445g
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    2020 25.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
    Nikon Z7 II
    Compare
    2020 46.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Nikon Z30 vs Z9 vs Z fc vs Z6 Mark II vs Z7 Mark II


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Nikon Z30 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon Z30 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Unlimited Video Recording (no 30min limit)
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Articulating Screen
    4K at 30fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording
    No crop on 4K Videos
    Touch Screen
    Face Detection Focusing
    21.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    51.200 Max ISO
    209 Focus Points
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    11.0fps Shooting
    405g Light Body
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    120fps High Speed Video
    Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV
    Flash Sync Port
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Focus Bracketing
    Focus Stacking
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Real time Animal Eye AF
    Compatible with fast UHS-I cards
    Webcam Functionality
    Tally/Front recording light
    USB Charging
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon Z30 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Sensor shift Image Stabilization
    Low Battery Life: 330 shots

    Report a correction


    Nikon Z30 Physical Specs
    Nikon Z30 weighs 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz) and has external dimensions of 128 x 74 x 60 mm (5.04 x 2.91 x 2.36″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 456g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 60mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z30
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z30
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon Z30 with the dimensions:

    Nikon Z30 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon Z30 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon Z30, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon Z30 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon Z30 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon Z30 with its main competitors:

    Nikon Z30 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Z30 Thickness vs Z30
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z50
    Compare
    397g 8g lighter 60mm equal thickness
    Nikon Z30 Camera Sony ZV-E10
    Compare
    343g 62g lighter 45mm 15mm thinner
    Nikon Z30 Camera Canon M50 II
    Compare
    387g 18g lighter 59mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    445g 40g heavier 44mm 16mm thinner
    Nikon Z30 Camera Canon R10
    Compare
    426g 21g heavier 83mm 23mm thicker
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    675g 270g heavier 70mm 10mm thicker
    Nikon Z30 Camera Sony A6400
    Compare
    403g 2g lighter 50mm 10mm thinner
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    675g 270g heavier 68mm 8mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon Z30 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon Z30 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon Z30 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Nikon Z30 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon Z30 has a Nikon Z lens mount and currently there are 33 native lenses available for this mount.

    Nikon Z30 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 10 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

    Weather Sealed Lenses for Nikon Z30

    There are 24 lenses with weather sealing for Nikon Z30 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon Z30 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Nikon Z30
    Model Focal Length equiv. Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8
    42-112.5mm 35mm FF 565gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S
    36-180mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S
    150-600mm 35mm FF 1355gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR
    36-300mm 35mm FF 570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2 Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2
    60mm 35mm FF 170gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S
    157.5mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
    36-105mm 35mm FF 805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z Lens Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
    21mm 35mm FF 810gr MF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon Z30 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

    Nikon Z30 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon Z30 has a 21.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. Z30 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 204800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon Z30 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon Z30 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Nikon Z30's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon Z30's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon Z30 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon Z30 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon Z30 LCD

    Nikon Z30 has a Fully Articulated 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Articulated screens are more video oriented compared to only tilting or fixed screens. On the other hand, photography oriented users generally prefer tilting screens. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Nikon Z30 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of Z30's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    Nikon Z30 Selfie Friendly Screen
    Selfie Friendly Fully articulated Screen of Nikon Z30


    Z30 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Sony Alpha A7R II (Compare) or Fujifilm X-S10 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Mirrorless cameras with viewfinder..

    Nikon Z30 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon Z30 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11ac + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. Nikon Z30's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Z30. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect Z30 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

    Nikon Z30 also features USB charging capability which let's you charge your camera via a usb cable without removing the battery.

    Nikon Z30 Battery

    Nikon Z30 is powered by EN-EL25 battery which provides a battery life of 330 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 377 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z30
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon Z30 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon Z30 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z50
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 320shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z30 Camera Sony ZV-E10
    Compare
    3840 x 1920 440shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z30 Camera Canon M50 II
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 305shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 300shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z30 Camera Canon R10
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 450shots Yes No No
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 470shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z30 Camera Sony A6400
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 410shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z30 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes Yes No

    Nikon Z30 Video Features

    With Nikon Z30, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Nikon Z30's 4K is the common standard resolution in consumer video world.

    A great advantage of Nikon Z30 while shooting video at max resolution of 4K (UHD) is that there is no crop factor so you can use your lens with its actual focal length.


     Video

    High-Speed Video

    Z30 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 120fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 120fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 5x slower and longer than normal.

    Z30 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon Z30 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a headphone port though.

    Also read:

    • Best Mirrorless Cameras with Headphone Port

    Nikon Z30 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon Z30 can shoot continuously at max speed of 11.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately Z30 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Nikon Z30 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 209 points to choose from.

    Nikon Z30 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically. In addition to the face detect AF, Z30 has a more sophisticated feature called Eye Tracking AF which detects and locks focus to the selected eye of the person in the frame accurately and tracks as the subject moves. Eye tracking AF of Nikon Z30 is a perfect feature for shooting portraits and is especially useful when fast lenses are used and the depth of field is very narrow.

    Focus Stacking

    Macro shooters will love Nikon Z30's Focus Stacking feature. In this mode, Z30 automatically composites multiple shots taken at different focal positions using focus bracketing to create a single image with maximum depth of field.

    What type of Photography is Nikon Z30 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon Z30 in 5 different photography areas.
    This camera is not rated yet!
    Nikon Z30 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon Z30 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon Z30 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon Z30

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon Z30 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon Z50
    Nikon Z50
    Compare
    Sony ZV-E10
    Sony ZV-E10
    Compare
    Canon M50 II
    Canon M50 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z fc
    Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    Canon R10
    Canon R10
    Compare
    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    Sony A6400
    Sony A6400
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare

    Nikon Z30 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon Z30 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon Z30's price range.

    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Sony A99
    Sony A99
    Compare
    Sony A77 II
    Sony A77 II
    Compare
    Nikon D800E
    Nikon D800E
    Compare
    Canon 80D
    Canon 80D
    Compare
    Pentax K-S2
    Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare

    Nikon Z30 Conclusion and Scores

    This camera is not rated yet!
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon Z30
    Does the Nikon Z30 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon Z30 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon Z30 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon Z30 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon Z30?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon Z30?
    is the Nikon Z30 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon Z30 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon Z30 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon Z30?
    What is the Weight of Nikon Z30?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon Z30?
    Nikon Z30 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Z30
    Announced 2022-06-29
    Body Type SLR-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon Z
    Number of Lenses 33
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95mm2
    Sensor Resolution 21 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5568 x 3712
    Max Native ISO 51,200
    Max Boosted ISO 204800
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 209
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity vBuilt-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 405g
    Physical Dimensions 128 x 74 x 60mm
    Battery Life 330 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL25
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Slots 1


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