The Nikon Z30 is specialized APS-C Z-mount camera whereas the Nikon Z50 II is a big upgrade to the original Z50—Nikon’s APS-C Z-mount debut. Actually, these cameras are quite different from each other. Which one is right for you?
Nikon Z30 vs Nikon Z50 II Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z30 | Nikon Z50 II |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | June 2022 | November 2024 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 20.9 MP | 20.9 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 5568×3712 | 5568×3712 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) | 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.22µ | 4.22µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | No | No |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 51,200 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 100-204,800 | ISO 100-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | No | No |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 11 FPS | 11 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 11 FPS | 11 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 11 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) | 11 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 35 frames (11 FPS) | 200 frames (11 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 209 | 209 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Raw Video | No | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 125 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.0 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 1.04 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | N/A | 1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.) |
| Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 2.36 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | N/A | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25 | EN-EL25a |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | N/A | 230 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 330 frames | 250 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 270 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 405 g (0.89 lbs.) | 550 g (1.21 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 128 x 74 x 60 mm (5.0 x 2.9 x 2.4″) | 127 x 97 x 82 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.2″)1 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $710 (Check Current Price) | $910 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon Z30 Used Prices | Nikon Z50 II Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z50 II’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z50 II’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The first thing that probably hits you is that these cameras look quite different. And that’s because the Z30 doesn’t have a viewfinder. And although the Z30 has a few minor improvements over the original Z50, the primary purpose of the Z30 is an affordable, content-creator camera. And that shows in its few specialized features such as its larger record button and indicator light on the front of the camera to show that it is recording video.
From a photography perspective, however, the Z50 II comes out ahead with its superior autofocus, more subject recognition modes, and greater buffer. That being said, the Z30 is still a decent camera as long as you don’t need incredible autofocus. The Z30 is also significantly smaller and 145g lighter, so it can also be a lightweight travel camera.
Which one you should get is really dependent on your needs. If you mainly want a small, stress-free camera for vlogging, YouTube videos, and some light photography, the Z30 could be a great camera at it’s relatively low price. But for those doing mainly photography, the Z50 II is much more capable.
What does the Nikon Z30 offer over the Nikon Z50 II?
- Lighter weight (145g lighter or about 1.4 times lighter)
- Lower price, costing $200 less
What does the Nikon Z50 II offer over the Nikon Z30?
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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