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Home → Comparison

Nikon Z30 vs Nikon Z50 II: Specifications Comparison

By Jason Polak No Comments
Last Updated On November 11, 2024

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

NikonZ30_vs_NikonZ50II_comparison_front

Camera FeatureNikon Z30Nikon Z50 II
AnnouncedJune 2022November 2024
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6EXPEED 7
Resolution20.9 MP20.9 MP
Pixel Dimensions5568×37125568×3712
Sensor Dimensions23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C)23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C)
Sensor Pixel Size4.22µ4.22µ
Low Pass FilterNoNo
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)NoNo
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Max Native ISOISO 51,200ISO 51,200
Extended ISOsISO 100-204,800ISO 100-204,800
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftNoNo
Focus Stack BracketingNoNo
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeNoYes (JPEG only)
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/4000
Longest Shutter Speed30 seconds900 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)11 FPS11 FPS
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)11 FPS11 FPS
Notes for High FPS Shooting12-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 SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
Autofocus Points209209
Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100)-4 EV-7.5 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Curtain to Protect Sensor at ShutdownNoNo
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)8 bits10 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)8 bits10 bits
Raw VideoNoNo
4K Maximum Framerate30 FPS60 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorNo1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop)
Chroma Subsampling4:2:04:2:2
Video Recording Limit125 min125 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots11
Slot 1 TypeSD (UHS-I)SD (UHS-II)
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.0 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution1.04 million dots1.04 million dots
Articulating LCDFully ArticulatingFully Articulating
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderNoneEVF
Viewfinder MagnificationN/A1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.)
Viewfinder ResolutionN/A2.36 million dots
Viewfinder CoverageN/A100%
Voice MemoNoYes
Headphone JackNoYes
Microphone JackYesYes
Built-in FlashNoYes
GPSNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType C 3.2 Gen 1Type C 3.2 Gen 1
Battery TypeEN-EL25EN-EL25a
Battery Life (Viewfinder)N/A230 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)330 frames250 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)N/A270 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
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 PricesNikon 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.

NikonZ30_vs_NikonZ50II_comparison_back

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.

Photography-Life-Z50II_00_JB_3042_A3
Official Z50 II sample shot from Nikon.

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.

Nikon Z30 Articulating Rear LCD Screen
The Z30 is a compact APS-C camera targeted at content creators

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?

  • Better autofocus
  • Viewfinder
  • 4:2:2 10-bit video
    • Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!


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      Tagged With: Camera Comparison, Choosing a Camera, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z50 II

      About Jason Polak

      Jason Polak is a bird and wildlife photographer from Ottawa, Canada. He has been interested in photography ever since he received a disposable film camera as a small child. His career as a mathematician led him to move to Australia in 2016, where he started seeing colorful parrots. A few casual shots with a lens completely unsuitable for birds got him hooked, and now wildlife photography is his biggest passion. Jason loves to show the beauty of animals to the world through photography, and one of his lifelong goals is to photograph five thousand species of birds. You can see more of Jason's work on his website or on his YouTube channel.

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