CameraReview

Nikon Z fc vs Nikon Z30 — Which Is Better?

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

Nikon Z fc
Nikon
Nikon Z fc
Mirrorless · 21 MP · APS-C · 4K video
72
SCORE
$1,146.95
best of 2 retailers
Best Price →
Nikon Z30
Nikon
Nikon Z30
Mirrorless · 20 MP · APS-C · 4K video
72
SCORE
$706.95
best of 4 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand NikonNikon
Model Z fcZ30
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20212022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
29/07/202129/06/2022
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 135 x 94 x 44 mm128 x 74 x 60 mm
Camera weight 445 g405 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
21 MP05020 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5568 x 37125568 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.
23.5 x 15.723.5 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.
11 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.
Nikon ZNikon Z
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 6Expeed 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.
512003003280000512003003280000
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.
20480030032800002048003003280000
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.
20903002090300
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-4, MOVMPEG-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 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 EN-EL25EN-EL25
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
260 shots1505000330 shots1505000
USB charging

The Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30 both earn a score of 72/100, making it a tie in terms of overall performance. These mirrorless cameras share similarities like their release years, 2021 and 2022, respectively, and their camera types.

The Nikon Z fc has the advantage of a slightly larger camera size (135 x 94 x 44mm) and a heavier weight (445g / 0.98lbs), which could offer better stability and handling for some users. On the other hand, the Nikon Z30 is more compact (128 x 74 x 60mm) and lighter (405g / 0.89lbs), making it more portable and easier to carry around.

When it comes to pricing, the Z30 is the more affordable option, with a launch price of $710 compared to the Z fc’s $959. Despite their differences in size, weight, and price, both cameras deliver equally impressive performance, earning them the same score of 72/100. The choice between these two cameras will likely depend on the user’s preferences for size, weight, and budget.

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30 both have an optics score of 72/100, indicating that they are evenly matched in terms of their optical performance. Both cameras share several common specifications, including an 11 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Expeed 6 processor, a DXOMARK score of 97 for the sensor, APS-C sensor size, Nikon Z lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.

The Nikon Z fc has a slight advantage with its 21-megapixel resolution compared to the Z30’s 20-megapixel resolution. This higher resolution allows the Z fc to capture more detail and produce larger prints. However, the difference in megapixels is minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday shooting situations.

The Nikon Z30, on the other hand, does not have any specific optical advantages over the Z fc. Both cameras are equal in terms of their optics performance, as evidenced by their identical scores.

Taking into account the shared specifications and the slight advantage in megapixels for the Z fc, it can be said that both cameras are suitable for photographers seeking solid optics performance. The Nikon Z fc’s marginally higher resolution might be a deciding factor for those seeking larger prints or more detailed images, but for most users, the difference is negligible. The Nikon Z30 does not have any distinct optical benefits but remains a strong contender due to its overall performance and shared specifications with the Z fc.

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 Video Performance

The Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30 are evenly matched in video capabilities, both receiving a score of 91/100. These cameras share several key features, including 4K max video resolution, max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160 (Nikon Z fc) and 3841 x 2160 (Nikon Z30), a max video frame rate of 120fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite the identical scores, the Nikon Z fc has a slight edge in video capabilities due to its max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, which is one pixel less in width than the Nikon Z30’s 3841 x 2160. This minute difference does not affect the overall video quality, but it is a noteworthy distinction between the two cameras.

On the other hand, the Nikon Z30’s advantage lies in its one-pixel wider max video dimensions. This extra pixel in width may not significantly impact the video quality, but it does provide a minor advantage over the Nikon Z fc. Both cameras maintain a high standard in video performance, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference.

Considering the video capabilities of the Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30, it is evident that they are nearly identical in performance. Both cameras offer impressive 4K video resolution, a high max video frame rate of 120fps, and time-lapse functionality. The minor differences in max video dimensions are negligible and unlikely to affect a user’s overall satisfaction with either camera. Therefore, the decision between the Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30 should be based on other factors, such as design, price, and additional features.

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 Features and Benefits

The Nikon Z fc and the Nikon Z30 both have a feature score of 83/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share numerous specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 1040000 dots, a touchscreen, a flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Despite their identical feature scores, the Nikon Z fc has some advantages over the Nikon Z30. However, the provided information does not specify the areas where the Nikon Z fc outperforms the Z30, as both cameras seem to have the same features listed. Therefore, it is essential to consider other aspects of the cameras, such as image quality, autofocus performance, and lens compatibility, to determine which camera is better suited for specific needs or preferences.

On the other hand, the Nikon Z30 may have some benefits over the Z fc, but with the given information, it is not possible to identify these advantages. To make a fair comparison, additional details about the Z30’s features or performance should be considered.

Taking into account the similarities in their feature scores and the specifications provided, both the Nikon Z fc and the Nikon Z30 are competent cameras with comparable features. It is crucial to evaluate the cameras based on other factors, such as intended use, budget, and individual preferences, before making a decision. By doing so, potential buyers can ensure they are choosing the camera that best suits their needs and requirements.

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 Storage and Battery

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Nikon Z fc in storage and battery with a score of 35/100, compared to the Z fc’s 29/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (UHS-I compatible). They also use the same battery type, EN-EL25, and offer USB charging options.

The Z30 has a longer battery life, providing 330 shots per charge, while the Z fc delivers 260 shots. This advantage makes the Z30 more suitable for extended shooting sessions without needing to recharge or replace the battery.

The Z fc does not offer any significant advantage over the Z30 in terms of storage and battery. It shares the same memory card compatibility and charging options, but falls short in battery life.

Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Nikon Z30 is the better option, primarily due to its longer battery life. This feature ensures that users can capture more moments without worrying about the battery running out.

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 – Our Verdict

Nikon Z fc vs Z30 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z fc or the Nikon Z30: