Nikon Z30 Review
We've aggregated 18 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Nikon Z30
The Nikon Z30 is a focused and successful effort to capture the entry-level creator market. Rather than trying to be a do-it-all hybrid, this camera knows its audience precisely: vloggers and content creators looking for a significant quality jump from their smartphones. Its compact, lightweight body is built around video, offering solid uncropped 4K/30p performance and helpful features that streamline the creation process. The 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, a proven performer in Nikon's lineup, delivers excellent image quality for both video and stills, providing that sought-after cinematic look with shallow depth of field that phones struggle to replicate authentically.
While the Z30 is a compelling package, it achieves its accessible price point through some practical compromises. This is not a camera that will wow enthusiasts with its spec sheet, and it lacks some of the creature comforts found on more expensive models. However, the fundamentals are incredibly strong. For those new to dedicated cameras, it serves as an excellent and unintimidating gateway to the superb Nikon Z-mount lens ecosystem. It's a reliable tool that packs an impressive punch for its size, prioritizing usability and final image quality over superfluous features.
- Excellent 4K video quality
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for vlogging and travel
- User-friendly controls and creator-focused presets
- Proven 20.9MP APS-C sensor delivers great results
- Affordable entry point into the Nikon Z lens system
- Spec sheet lacks standout features compared to competitors
- Design compromises made to achieve its low price point
- Primarily tailored for video and vlogging use cases
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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The Z30 is Nikon's smallest and lightest Z series camera, and its design is consistent with previous Z cameras, save for the simpler appearance and relatively flat top. The Z30 has a fully articulating flip-out selfie display, dual command dials, and two front function buttons.
While there is nothing that jumps off the page with this camera, it still looks like a decent offering for anyone who is interested in an entry-level mirrorless hybrid.
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If you can stomach the design compromises that lower the cost of this camera, it is a great little piece for creating content. Using this camera feels easy, natural, and comfortable while maintaining a sense of professionalism.
No matter what market the camera is aimed at, there’s no denying the little system is actually pretty dang useful and packs an impressive punch.
Want to go big on video quality instead? The Nikon Z30 mirrorless camera kit is built with helpful presets and settings designed specifically for vlogging.
Nikon has unveiled the 20.9-megapixel APS-C Z30, its smallest and lightest Z-series camera yet. Designed for vloggers and creators, it offers a flip-out display, 4K 30p video and a long 125-minute video record time when plugged in — but lacks an electronic viewfinder.
It's small, light, affordable and boasts impressive video quality for its size. If you're a recent DSLR holdout, the Z30 presents an affordable entry into the mirrorless world, and it's a great example of how much camera you can get for around $700.
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About this product
The Nikon Z30 is a compact mirrorless camera specifically designed for vloggers and live streamers. It features a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor, UHD 4K30p video recording, and a vlogging-optimized design. The camera offers enhanced connectivity and a user-friendly interface to elevate content creation.
Specs
- Battery
- 1x EN-EL25 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.6 VDC, 1120 mAh (Included)
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) / Bluetooth 4.2
- Audio I/O
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
- Bit Depth
- 14-Bit
- Other I/O
- 1x USB-C (Data) Output (Shared with Power Input)
- Power I/O
- 1x USB-C Input
- Video I/O
- 1x Micro-HDMI Output
- Focus Mode
- Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
- Focus Type
- Auto and Manual Focus
- Lens Mount
- Nikon Z
- Self-Timer
- 2/10-Second Delay
- Aspect Ratio
- 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- Capture Type
- Stills & Video
- Display Type
- Articulating 3" Touchscreen LCD
- IP Streaming
- Yes
- Image Sensor
- APS-C
- Shutter Type
- Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter
- White Balance
- 2500 to 10,000K
- Bulb/Time Mode
- Bulb & Time Mode
- Exposure Modes
- Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Metering Range
- -4 to 17 EV
- Audio Recording
- LPCM Audio, AAC Audio
- Metering Method
- Center-Weighted Average, Matrix, Spot
- Mobile App Name
- SnapBridge
- Recording Limit
- No
- Video Output HD
- 1920 x 1080p up to 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- Autofocus Points
- Phase Detection: 209
- Internal Storage
- No
- Max Video Output
- Up to UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- Image File Format
- JPEG, Raw
- Built-In ND Filter
- No
- Display Resolution
- 1,040,000 Dot
- Global Positioning
- GPS Via Connected Smartphone
- Interval Recording
- Yes
- Built-In Microphone
- Stereo
- Continuous Shooting
- Up to 11 fps at Maximum Resolution
- Image Stabilization
- Digital
- Max Recording Modes
- H.264/MOV/MP4 Up to UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- Autofocus Sensitivity
- -4.5 to +19 EV
- Exposure Compensation
- -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
- Internal Recording 4K
- 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- Internal Recording HD
- 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes: Android & iOS
- Media/Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
- Mobile App Functionality
- Access Stored Files, Firmware Update, Remote Control
- Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
- Slow-Motion Only
- ISO/Gain Sensitivity Photo
- 100 to 51,200
- ISO/Gain Sensitivity Video
- 100 to 25,600
- Effective Sensor Resolution
- 20.8 Megapixel (5568 x 3712)
- Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent)
- 1.5x
- Shutter Speed Electronic Shutter
- 1/4000 to 30 Seconds
- Shutter Speed Mechanical Shutter
- 1/4000 to 30 Seconds
- Shutter Speed Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
- 1/4000 to 30 Seconds
Where to buy
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- B&H Photonew● In stockBest price$607Buy
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