Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Comparison
Nikon Z30
Sony a5000
Price | |||
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z30 | a5000 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2022 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 29, 2022 | January 07, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 with a score of 72/100 compared to the Sony’s 51/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar features. However, the Nikon Z30, released in 2022, has a launch price of $710, while the older Sony a5000 from 2014 costs $500.
The Nikon Z30’s advantages include its larger size (128 x 74 x 60mm) and heavier weight (405g / 0.89lbs), which may provide better stability and grip. On the other hand, the Sony a5000 is more compact (110 x 63 x 36mm) and lighter (269g / 0.59lbs), making it more portable for those who prioritize mobility.
Despite the higher price, the Nikon Z30 delivers better performance and features, justifying its higher score. Meanwhile, the Sony a5000 might be a suitable choice for those on a budget and looking for a lightweight, compact camera.
Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z30 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 72/100, while the Sony a5000 scores 60/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 20-megapixel resolution, CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. However, the differences between the two cameras contribute to the Nikon Z30’s superior performance.
The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 in several key aspects. It boasts a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the Sony a5000’s 3.5 frames per second. Additionally, the Z30 is equipped with the Expeed 6 processor, which is more advanced than the Sony a5000’s Bionz X processor. The Z30’s sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 97, compared to the Sony a5000’s score of 79. Furthermore, the Nikon Z30 features a Nikon Z lens mount, which offers a wider selection of lenses compared to the Sony E mount on the a5000.
On the other hand, the Sony a5000 has a few advantages over the Nikon Z30. Its compact size and lighter weight make it more portable and easier to handle. However, these benefits are minor compared to the significant performance improvements offered by the Nikon Z30.
Based on the optics comparison, the Nikon Z30 is the clear winner, offering faster shooting speeds, a more advanced processor, and a better sensor. The Sony a5000’s advantages in size and weight are not enough to compensate for its inferior performance. Therefore, the Nikon Z30 is the superior choice for those seeking a camera with excellent optics and performance.
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Optics
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP | 20 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5568 x 3712 px | 5456 x 3632 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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 15.7 mm | 15.4 x 23.2 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps | 3.5 fps | |
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 Z | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 6 | Bionz X | |
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. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 51,200 | 16,000 | |
Minimum 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. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum 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. | 204800 | 16000 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
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. | 209 | 25 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | None | None |
Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Video Performance
The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 in video capabilities, scoring 91 out of 100, while the Sony a5000 scores 70. Both cameras share some features, such as built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.
The Nikon Z30 excels in video quality by offering 4K resolution, which is significantly higher than the Sony a5000’s Full HD resolution. This results in sharper and more detailed videos, making the Nikon Z30 a superior choice for videographers. Additionally, the Z30’s maximum video dimensions are 3841 x 2160, providing a larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to the a5000’s 1920 x 1080 dimensions. The Z30 also boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling smooth slow-motion capture, whereas the a5000 is limited to 60fps.
On the other hand, the Sony a5000’s advantage lies in its lower-resolution Full HD video, which requires less storage space and processing power for editing. This can be beneficial for users who prioritize storage capacity and do not require the higher resolution offered by the Nikon Z30.
In terms of video capabilities, the Nikon Z30 is the clear winner with its 4K resolution, larger video dimensions, and higher frame rate. The Sony a5000 is still a viable option for those who prefer lower-resolution video and require less storage space. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the user’s specific needs and priorities in video quality and storage requirements.
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Video
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 3841 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
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 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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, MOV | MP4 |
Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z30 emerges as the winner in this comparison with a feature score of 83/100, significantly outperforming the Sony a5000, which has a score of 37/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, no GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Nikon Z30 surpasses the Sony a5000 in several aspects, making it the better option.
The Nikon Z30 boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the Sony a5000’s 460,800 dots. This results in a clearer, more detailed display for the user. Additionally, the Nikon Z30 has a touchscreen, allowing for more intuitive control and easier navigation through menus. The Sony a5000 lacks this feature. Furthermore, the Nikon Z30 comes with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless file transfers and remote control. The Sony a5000 does not have this feature.
In contrast, the Sony a5000 does not offer any distinct advantages over the Nikon Z30 in terms of features. Both cameras have a flip screen, but the Nikon Z30’s is of higher quality due to its superior resolution and touchscreen capabilities. They also share the absence of GPS and the presence of WIFI connectivity.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon Z30 clearly stands out as the superior camera in terms of features. It offers a better screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity, while the Sony a5000 fails to present any significant advantages. Buyers seeking a camera with a strong feature set will find the Nikon Z30 to be the better choice.
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Features
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 LCD | 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 Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 460,800 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z30 triumphs over the Sony a5000 in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to 24/100. Both cameras share similarities in having one memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a5000 also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, giving it an edge in storage versatility.
Despite the Sony a5000 having a longer battery life of 420 shots compared to the Nikon Z30’s 330 shots, the Nikon Z30 still prevails overall. This is primarily due to its USB charging capability, which the Sony a5000 lacks. The ability to charge via USB provides the Nikon Z30 with a convenient and accessible charging option, making it more practical for on-the-go photography.
While the Sony a5000’s longer battery life and additional memory card compatibility are notable advantages, they are not sufficient to outweigh the benefits offered by the Nikon Z30’s USB charging feature. As a result, the Nikon Z30 emerges as the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL25 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 330 shots | 420 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 23.8 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 13 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 1089 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z30 or the Sony a5000:
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User Scores
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Nikon Z30
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Sony a5000
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B&H photo video |
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