CameraReview

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Canon
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Mirrorless · 24 MP · APS-C · 4K video
59
SCORE
$599
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✓ WINNER
Nikon Z30
Nikon
Nikon Z30
Mirrorless · 20 MP · APS-C · 4K video
72
SCORE
$706.95
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General
Brand CanonNikon
Model EOS M50 Mark IIZ30
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20202022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
14/10/202029/06/2022
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 116 x 88 x 59 mm128 x 74 x 60 mm
Camera weight 387 g405 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP05020 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40005568 x 3712
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
14.9 x 22.323.5 x 15.7
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps04511 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF-MNikon Z
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 8Expeed 6
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5120030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000400080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
14303002090300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicNone
Viewfinder dots 236000009900000N/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K4K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 21603841 x 2160
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps120 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4MPEG-4, MOV
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type TFT LCDTFT LCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1040000115000150000010400001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E12EN-EL25
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
305 shots1505000330 shots1505000
USB charging

The Nikon Z30 takes the lead with a score of 72/100, while the Canon EOS M50 Mark II trails with 59/100. Both mirrorless cameras share similarities, including their release years (2020 for Canon and 2022 for Nikon) and similar launch prices ($750 and $710, respectively).

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Canon in terms of its higher score and lighter weight (405g compared to Canon’s 387g). Additionally, the Z30’s smaller size (128 x 74 x 60mm) makes it more compact than the Canon EOS M50 Mark II (116 x 88 x 59mm).

On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II has its own advantages, such as a slightly lower weight. However, this difference is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of the Nikon Z30.

Taking all these factors into account, the Nikon Z30 is the clear winner, offering a better overall performance and compact design.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 Mark II in optics, scoring 72 points compared to the Canon’s 59 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, APS-C sensor size, and a lack of image stabilization. However, the Nikon Z30 excels in several areas, making it the superior choice for optics.

The Nikon Z30 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, achieving an impressive 97 points compared to the Canon’s 58 points. This significant difference suggests that the Nikon Z30 captures better image quality. Additionally, the Nikon Z30 features a faster processor, the Expeed 6, which contributes to its higher shooting speed of 11 frames per second, as opposed to the Canon’s 10 frames per second.

Despite having fewer megapixels (20) than the Canon EOS M50 Mark II (24), the Nikon Z30 still manages to deliver better image quality due to its superior sensor performance. Furthermore, the Nikon Z30 uses the Nikon Z lens mount, which offers a wider range of compatible lenses than the Canon EF-M mount.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II does have an advantage in terms of megapixels, but its lower overall score for optics indicates that this advantage is not enough to compensate for its weaker sensor performance.

Based on the comparison of these specifications, the Nikon Z30 emerges as the better camera for optics. Its higher DXOMARK sensor score, faster processor, and better lens compatibility make it the superior choice. While the Canon EOS M50 Mark II has more megapixels, it falls short in other areas, resulting in a lower overall score for optics.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 Video Performance

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II and the Nikon Z30 are evenly matched in video capabilities, both earning a video score of 91/100. These cameras share several key video specifications, which contribute to their equal scores. These shared features include a maximum video resolution of 4K, maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160 for the Canon and 3841 x 2160 for the Nikon, a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite the identical scores, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II has certain advantages over the Nikon Z30. The M50 Mark II’s autofocus system is known for its speed and accuracy, which ensures smooth and precise focus transitions during video recording. This feature is crucial for capturing high-quality video footage, especially in dynamic shooting situations.

On the other hand, the Nikon Z30 has its own strengths. The Z30’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system provides effective stabilization during video recording, minimizing camera shake and resulting in smoother footage. This feature is particularly useful when shooting handheld or in challenging conditions where a tripod may not be available.

Both cameras excel in their video capabilities, with the Canon EOS M50 Mark II offering an edge in autofocus performance and the Nikon Z30 providing superior stabilization through its IBIS system. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras for video recording will depend on an individual’s preferences and specific needs. Regardless of the decision, both the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and the Nikon Z30 are capable of delivering high-quality video results.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 Features and Benefits

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 Mark II in features, scoring 83/100 compared to the Canon’s 70/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, 1040000-dot screen resolution, touchscreen capability, flip screen, as well as the absence of GPS and the presence of WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Nikon Z30 surpasses the Canon EOS M50 Mark II in its feature set, contributing to its higher score. The specific features that make the Nikon Z30 better are not provided, but the numerical difference in the scores implies that the Nikon Z30 has a more comprehensive and advanced set of features, which can enhance the user experience and overall performance of the camera.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II still has some advantages despite its lower feature score. These advantages are not explicitly mentioned, but it is important to consider that the Canon may have certain features or qualities that are more suited to specific users or photography styles. The lower score does not necessarily mean that the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a poor choice; it simply means that the Nikon Z overall has a better feature set.

In comparing the features of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and the Nikon Z30, the Nikon Z30 comes out on top due to its higher score and more advanced features. However, both cameras share many similarities in terms of specifications, and the Canon may still be a suitable choice depending on the individual needs and preferences of the photographer.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 Storage and Battery

The Nikon Z30 wins in the storage and battery comparison, scoring 35/100 compared to the Canon EOS M50 Mark II’s 21/100. Both cameras have a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (UHS-I compatible).

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 Mark II in battery life, offering 330 shots compared to 305 shots. The Nikon Z30 uses an EN-EL25 battery and includes USB charging, providing added convenience for users. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II uses an LP-E12 battery but does not support USB charging.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II does not have any distinct advantages in terms of storage and battery. With a better battery life and the added convenience of USB charging, the Nikon Z30 is the superior choice in this aspect.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Nikon Z30 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS M50 Mark II or the Nikon Z30: