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Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Nikon Z30

nikon z30
72%

Nikon Z50

Nikon Z50 with no lens product image
Winner!
73%
Nikon Z30
vs
Nikon Z50
Price
Brand
Nikon
Nikon
Model
Z30
Z50
Released
2022
2019
Announcement Date
June 29, 2022
October 10, 2019
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Nikon Z50 edges out the Nikon Z30 with a score of 73/100 compared to the Z30’s 72/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share some similarities in size and weight, with the Z30 measuring 128 x 74 x 60mm and weighing 405g, while the Z50 measures 127 x 94 x 60mm and weighs 450g.

The Z50 stands out with its slightly higher score, which is attributed to its better overall performance. It was released in 2019 with a launch price of $859, making it a bit more expensive than the Z30, which was released in 2022 at a price of $710.

On the other hand, the Z30 is lighter and more affordable, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize budget and portability. Despite its lower score, the Z30 still offers reliable performance and quality for its price range.

Taking all factors into consideration, the Nikon Z50 is the better camera due to its higher score and performance. However, the Nikon Z30 remains a viable option for those seeking a lighter, more budget-friendly alternative.

Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50 share the same score for optics, both receiving 72/100. This indicates that these cameras have similar optical capabilities. They share common specifications, including an 11 frames per second shooting speed, a CMOS sensor type, an Expeed 6 processor, a DXOMARK score of 97 for the sensor, an APS-C sensor size, a Nikon Z lens mount, and no image stabilisation.

The Nikon Z50 has a slight advantage in terms of megapixels, with 21 compared to the Z30’s 20. This means that the Z50 can capture slightly more detail in images, which may be beneficial for photographers who require high-resolution images for large prints or cropping. However, this difference is minimal and may not be noticeable for most users.

On the other hand, the Nikon Z30 does not have any significant advantages over the Z50 in terms of optics. Both cameras share the same score and have nearly identical specifications, so it is difficult to determine any areas where the Z30 outperforms the Z50.

Taking these factors into account, it can be said that the Nikon Z50 is slightly better in terms of optics due to its higher megapixel count. However, this advantage is minimal, and both cameras are quite similar in their optical capabilities. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two cameras, as the difference in performance is negligible.

Optics
Optics
72%
72%
Megapixels
20 MP
21 MP
Image Resolution
5568 x 3712 px
5568 x 3712 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.7 mm
23.5 x 15.7 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
11 fps
11 fps
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Nikon Z
Image Processor
Expeed 6
Expeed 6
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
51,200
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
204800
204800
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
209
209
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
None
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
2,360,000 dots

Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Video Performance

The Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50 both have a video score of 91/100, making them equally impressive in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share many common specifications, which include a maximum video resolution of 4K, maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.

Since the two cameras have the same score, neither can be declared a clear winner. However, there are some minor differences that set them apart. The Nikon Z30 has a slightly higher maximum video dimension at 3841 x 2160, which is a negligible difference but still worth mentioning. This difference in maximum video dimensions does not significantly impact the video quality or performance of the camera.

On the other hand, the Nikon Z50 does not have any specific advantages in terms of video capabilities over the Nikon Z30. Both cameras have the same video score, and their specifications are almost identical. This means that the Nikon Z50 is not better than the Nikon Z30 when it comes to video performance.

Given the identical video scores and similar specifications, both the Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50 are excellent choices for video enthusiasts. The minor difference in maximum video dimensions between the two cameras does not significantly impact their overall performance. Therefore, potential buyers can confidently choose either camera, knowing that they will receive top-notch video capabilities.

Video
Video
91%
91%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
3841 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
120 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MPEG-4, MOV
MPEG-4, MOV

Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Features and Benefits

The Nikon Z50 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 86/100, while the Nikon Z30 scores slightly lower at 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither camera includes GPS functionality.

The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Z30 in a few aspects. The most notable difference is the screen size, where the Z50 has a 3.2-inch screen compared to the Z30’s 3-inch screen. Both cameras have the same screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, but the Z50’s larger screen offers a better viewing experience.

In contrast, the Nikon Z30 has no significant advantages over the Z50 in terms of features. Both cameras have the same screen resolution, touchscreen, flip screen, and connectivity options. The Z30’s slightly lower feature score indicates that it might lack some additional features that the Z50 possesses, but this does not necessarily make it an inferior camera.

To conclude, the Nikon Z50 is the better camera in terms of features, primarily due to its larger screen size. The Z30, while lacking any distinct advantages, still provides a solid set of features that are comparable to the Z50. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities, but the Nikon Z50 has the edge in this comparison.

Features
Features
83%
86%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
TFT LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3.2"
Screen Resolution
1,040,000 dots
1,040,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Storage and Battery

The Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50 both have a storage and battery score of 35/100, showing no difference in this aspect. They share common specifications in terms of memory card slots, with each camera having one slot. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with compatibility for UHS-I. Furthermore, they both use the EN-EL25 battery type and have USB charging capabilities.

In terms of battery life, the Nikon Z30 holds a slight advantage, providing 330 shots per charge, compared to the Z50’s 320 shots. This difference, however, is minimal and may not significantly impact the user experience.

Since both cameras have equal scores and very similar specifications, neither camera stands out as a clear winner in terms of storage and battery capabilities. Users can expect a comparable experience with either camera.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
35%
35%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
EN-EL25
EN-EL25
Battery Life
330 shots
320 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Scores
Main Features
N/A
84%
Extra Features
N/A
80%
Construction and Durability
N/A
87%
Handling and Ergonomics
N/A
93%
Value for Money
N/A
85%
Total Score
N/A
85%

Nikon Z30 vs Z50 Alternatives

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User Scores
B&H photo video
N/A
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