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Nikon Z30
72
SCORE
Nikon · Mirrorless · 20 MP · APS-C · 4K video

Nikon Z30

General 72Optics 72Video Performance 91Features and Benefits 83Storage and Battery 35
From $706.95 — 4 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelZ30
Released2022
Announcement date29/06/2022
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Compact and lightweight body
+Responsive and accurate AF with eye detection and tracking
+Wide ISO range with excellent low-noise performance at the top end
+Vari-angle screen is perfect for videos and vlogging
+Environmental sealing for outdoor shoots
Worth Knowing
−Has no viewfinder, only an LCD screen
−No electronic shutter for quicker burst or silent shooting
−Video is cropped 1.3x when using the electronic vibration reduction system
−The battery life is disappointing for a Nikon camera

General 72

Brand
Nikon
Model
Z30
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2022
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
29/06/2022
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
128 x 74 x 60 mm
Camera weight
405 g

Optics 72

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5568 x 3712
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-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 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 Z
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 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.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
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.
512003003280000
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.
10030200
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.
2048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
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.
400080032000
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.
2090300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon Z30 earns a score of 72/100 for its general specifications. This mirrorless camera, announced on June 29, 2022, and released the same year, enters the market with a launch price of $710. The Z30 measures 128 x 74 x 60mm and weighs 405g (0.89lbs). Its size and weight make it suitable for various photography needs. In the competitive world of cameras, the Z30’s specs hold their ground, providing photographers with a reliable and user-friendly option. The Nikon Z30 proves to be a worthy choice for those seeking a solid camera at a reasonable price.

Nikon Z30 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z30 scores 72/100 for optics. This camera features a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with a DXOMARK score of 97, indicating good image quality. The sensor size is APS-C, which is common among cameras in this category. The Z30 uses Nikon’s Z lens mount, providing compatibility with a wide range of lenses.

However, the camera lacks image stabilization, which may result in shaky images when shooting handheld. With a shooting speed of 11 frames per second and an Expeed 6 processor, the Z30 delivers fast performance for capturing action and fast-moving subjects. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard for most cameras, offering versatile framing options for various photography styles.

The Nikon Z30’s optics provide solid performance in today’s market, but the lack of image stabilization may be a drawback for some photographers. Its compatibility with Nikon Z lenses and fast shooting speed make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable camera with good image quality.

Nikon Z30 Video Performance 91

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
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.
3841 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 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.
Yes
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
Read our notes on nikon z30 video performance

The Nikon Z30 receives a video score of 91 out of 100, showcasing its impressive capabilities in this area. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3841 x 2160, ensuring high-quality footage. Additionally, it provides a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which allows for smooth and detailed slow-motion capture.

In today’s market, the Nikon Z30’s specifications remain competitive, as 4K video resolution is considered a standard for quality content. The 120fps frame rate is an added advantage, providing versatility in video production. Furthermore, the built-in time-lapse functionality enhances the camera’s appeal to those seeking creative video options.

The Nikon Z30’s video features make it a strong contender among modern cameras, with specifications that meet the demands of today’s content creators. Its high video score reflects the camera’s ability to deliver exceptional performance in video capture and production.

Nikon Z30 Features and Benefits 83

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10400001150001500000
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z30 features and benefits

The Nikon Z30 features an impressive score of 83/100 in terms of its specifications. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1040000 dots, this camera provides a clear and precise display. The touchscreen and flip screen functionalities make it user-friendly and versatile for different shooting scenarios.

Modern camera users will appreciate the inclusion of WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for easy sharing and remote control. However, the lack of GPS may be a drawback for some photographers who require geotagging for their work.

Considering the above specifications, the Nikon Z30 holds its own in today’s competitive camera market. It offers a strong combination of features that cater to both amateur and professional photographers alike. While it may not be perfect, the Nikon Z30 is a reliable option for those seeking quality and performance in their camera.

Nikon Z30 Storage and Battery 35

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL25
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
330 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z30 storage and battery

The Nikon Z30 receives a storage and battery score of 35/100. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, all UHS-I compatible. In today’s market, many cameras offer dual card slots for better storage management and backup options, so the Z30 falls short in this aspect.

Regarding battery life, the Z30 can take 330 shots on a single charge, using an EN-EL25 battery type. This number is relatively low compared to other cameras in the market, which can offer 500 or more shots per charge. However, the Z30 does have USB charging capabilities, providing users with more charging options.

The Nikon Z30’s storage and battery performance are not as competitive as other cameras in today’s market. Users may find the single memory card slot and limited battery life to be drawbacks when considering this camera.