Both the Nikon Z50 and Z30 are Z-mount APS-C cameras. Although they are very similar in features, there is one major difference: the Nikon Z30 lacks a viewfinder. The Z50 is meant as an all-purpose camera, whereas the Z30 is meant more for YouTubers and vloggers. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z30 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z50 | Nikon Z30 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2019 | June 2022 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 6 |
| 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 | No |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 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) | 12-bit raw at 11 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 35 frames (11 FPS) | 35 frames (11 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 209 | 209 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -4 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 | 8 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Raw Video | No | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:0 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-I) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.0 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 1.04 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | None |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.) | N/A |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2.36 million dots | N/A |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | N/A |
| Voice Memo | No | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type B 2.0 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25 | EN-EL25 |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 280 frames | N/A |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 320 frames | 330 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 450 g (0.99 lbs.) | 405 g (0.89 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 127 x 94 x 75 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.9″)1 | 128 x 74 x 60 mm (5.0 x 2.9 x 2.4″) |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $860 (Check Current Price) | $710 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon Z50 Used Prices | Nikon Z30 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z50’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z50’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
Despite being released three years after the Nikon Z50, the Nikon Z30 is a very similar camera to its older brother:
Both cameras also have similar autofocus and designs. The exception is that the Z30 has certain content-creator features lacking on the Z50. For instance, the Z30 has an articulating screen whereas the Z50’s screen just tilts. The Z30’s recording time is also 125 minutes versus the 30 minutes of the Z50, which again would be useful for longer uncut productions such as podcasts and recordings of lectures.
The Z30 also has a live-streaming feature, as well as a newer USB C port that can power the camera while in operation. Thus, if you’re doing something like streaming events or using your camera as a webcam, the Z30 is a better choice than the Z50.
That being said, if you’re not interested in the content-creator specific features, the Z50 is a better camera due to its electronic viewfinder. Since there are so many photo-specific scenarios where having a viewfinder will make shooting much easier, the Z50 will outperform the Z30 on this feature alone. As a wildlife photographer, I immediately think of using long lenses: it’s very hard to find subjects in a rear screen compared to a viewfinder.
Since the price is so similar between these cameras, it’s rather easy to decide which one to get. If you’re going to be doing vlogging or videos of events, the Z30 is the superior choice. Otherwise, get the Z50!
What does the Nikon Z50 offer over the Nikon Z30?
- Electronic viewfinder
What does the Nikon Z30 offer over the Nikon Z50?
- Content-creator specific features like a flip-out screen, selfie controls, and a longer record time
- Lighter weight (45g lighter. It’s not a big difference, but every little bit helps)
- Slightly lower price, costing $150 less
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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