The Nikon Z30 is the most entry-level camera in the Nikon Z series yet – and the first without a viewfinder. Nikon’s advertising leans heavily on the camera’s video prowess, although its specs frankly aren’t very different from those of 2019’s Nikon Z50. It ships mid-July for $710 body only.
Nikon Z30 Key Specs
Sensor size: 23.5 × 15.7 mm (aps-c)
Resolution, effective: 20.9 megapixels
ISO range: 100-51,200
In-body image stabilization: No
Autofocus points: 209
Frame rate: 11 FPS
LCD type: Fully articulating touchscreen
Max video specs: 3840 × 2160 (4K) at 30 FPS; 1080p at 120 FPS
Not listed in the specifications above are some new video features on the Nikon Z30. Namely:
The Z30 has a tally lamp (a red light on top) that turns on when recording
It records 1080p up to 125 minutes and can be powered by USB
There’s a built-in stereo microphone with the option for a $10 wind screen add-on
The first two are welcome features for working videographers, although the third isn’t as important, since most will use an external mic for important projects.
Impressions and Recommendations
I’m a bit underwhelmed by the Nikon Z30’s features. It’s a less expensive Z50 ($710 vs $860), without the EVF and with few meaningful improvements in more than two years, other than an articulating screen. On top of that, I’m frustrated that Nikon is missing some important video-oriented details on a camera they advertise so heavily for the vlogging crowd. The Z30 has no headphone jack, for example, let alone more advanced video features like in-body image stabilization or 4K 60p.
As a side note, I have yet to find detailed video specifications for the Nikon Z30. Surely they’re available somewhere, but after extensive searches, I’m still in the dark. Is the Z30 capable of 10-bit recording? N-log? 4:2:2 sampling? Who knows. That should be easy information to find if Nikon really wants videographers to care about the Z30.
The Nikon Z30’s rear LCD is fully articulating
If this were still 2019, and the Z30 had been announced alongside the Z50, I would hardly be complaining about it. The differences between the Z30 and Z50 are minor, except the Z30 loses the viewfinder and adds articulation to its LCD, plus those small video features like a tally light. At the time, that would have been a reasonable tradeoff for a camera that costs $150 less. The trouble is that it’s mid-2022, and the Z30 already looks like it needs a refresh as much as the Z50. (To the same point, Nikon appears to have matched the Z30’s features very closely to those of the Sony ZV-E10, which was announced 11 months ago.)
An alternative that would make the Z30 look more logical is to put it on sale immediately, so that Nikon has a true entry-level price point in their camera lineup. Remember that the Nikon D3500 launched for $500 with a kit lens four years ago; the Z30 is $850 with a kit lens, hardly even targeting the same market. The Z30 has better features of the two, of course. But the reason Nikon’s D3000-series cameras sold so well had nothing to do with features; it was all about price. The Z30 should be closer to $600 with a kit lens if Nikon wants to fill a similar slot in the market – which I think should have been their goal from the start.
I’d still recommend the Nikon Z30 to some photographers, albeit halfheartedly. I like the 11 FPS shooting and good low-light sensor borrowed from the Z50. If you’re shopping for a Nikon camera on a budget, yet you don’t want to buy used or refurbished, the Z30 is a reasonable choice. But I don’t think it’s great that Nikon’s first entry-level camera in the Z series already looks slightly outdated and overpriced on day one.
Pre-Order
You can pre-order the Nikon Z30 at B&H here for $706.95, to ship mid-July:
Nikon releases the Z 30 APS-C size mirrorless camera which is ideal for vlog contents creators
June 29, 2022
The smallest and lightest mirrorless camera among the Nikon Z series, with thoroughly pursued ease of use for video recording.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the APS-C size/DX-format Nikon Z 30 mirrorless camera.
Featuring the smallest and lightest body among the Nikon Z series models, as well as a vari-angle LCD monitor, REC lamp that immediately notifies of recording, and up to 125 minutes of recording time*, the Z 30 is a mirrorless camera that gives comprehensive consideration for video recording of a wide range of scenes, from daily shooting to creative expression including vlogs.
The Z 30 delivers outstanding depiction with high resolution by incorporating the same EXPEED 6 image-processing engine adopted in the Nikon Z 7 and the image sensor adopted in the Nikon Z fc, in combination with NIKKOR Z lenses.
In addition, the Z 30 is a camera that pursues ease of use and a design optimized for video recording, so that even first-time mirrorless camera users can casually enjoy imaging expression. It also features functions such as “Creative Picture Control” that enables diverse expressions, 4K UHD/30p video, and slow-motion video, all of which can meet the challenge for more particular video expression.
Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
*In Full HD/24p/25p at 25°C/77°F. The camera’s ability to always achieve the full 125 minutes is dependent on conditions like battery life or the camera’s internal temperature. Approx. 35 minutes of recording time is available in 4K UHD.
Primary features
1.Outstanding rendering performance, equivalent to that of higher-class models, for vlog contents creators
High-resolution, superior rendering performance is realized by adopting the same image-processing engine as the Z 7 as well as the image sensor adopted in the Z fc, in combination with NIKKOR Z lenses. Covering a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200*, high-quality images can be captured regardless of the scene, whether indoors, outdoors or at night. In addition to stills, Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF that detect the eyes of people, dogs and cats are also adopted for video recording, letting users reliably capture the eye of subjects in motion in both video and stills. By adopting AF-F (Full-time AF) that continues focusing on a subject as it moves or as the composition changes, the Z 30 allows even first-time mirrorless camera users to capture lively facial expressions of a subject without failure. The touch-sensitive, vari-angle LCD monitor enables users not only to check how they look while shooting selfies, but also to freely shoot high-angle, overhead shots and low-angle shots such as walking feet. It offers smartphone-like operation while shooting, setting changes and pinching-in/out when playing back images.
All the outstanding DX-format and FX-format NIKKOR Z lenses are available with the Z 30, from wide-angle lenses ideal for vlogs to prime lenses that offer beautiful bokeh and zoom lenses that cover a wide range of scenes with one lens, allowing anyone to enjoy a breathtaking diversity of imaging expression.
*The maximum standard sensitivity for video recording is ISO 25600.
2.The smallest and lightest camera among the Nikon Z series with a design optimized for video recording
Realizing the smallest and lightest body among the Nikon Z series, the Z 30 features a deep grip that is comfortable and stable to hold during extended shooting. Although it is intended for first-time mirrorless camera users, it inherits the same design and operability as higher-class models. With a large video-record button more visible than conventional models, a large microphone where a wind muff can be attached easily, as well as a REC lamp that immediately notifies of recording, the Z 30 is optimally designed for video recording including vlogs.
3.More creative expressions are achievable with ease and as intended
The exposure compensation is adjustable even in AUTO mode, and more creative imaging expression can be attained easily and exactly as intended thanks to 20 Creative Picture Control options. Users can also make fine adjustments such as contrast and brightness to achieve their desired results. 4K UHD/30p without crop and Full HD/120p for creating slow-motion videos are also available. Three user setting modes are adopted on the mode dial, allowing users to assign the camera settings they want. What’s more, the i menu is accessible with just one touch without going deep into the menu, and the two Fn buttons can be assigned frequently used settings. These functions let users effectively customize the Z 30 according to their needs. For those pursuing expressions that they can make uniquely their own, approx. 360 types of NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards, are available via the Mount Adapter FTZ II, allowing users to enjoy even more diverse expressions with a great variety of lenses including older models.
4.Additional features
Up to 125 minutes of video recording time provides extended shooting.
Approx. 11-fps high-speed continuous shooting*1 enables capture of the intended moment beautifully and more reliably.
Still images and videos can be transferred to a smart device*2 via SnapBridge application for casual posting on social media.
Computer software: NX Studio’s Movie Editor function offers video editing via simple operation.
Compatible with Webcam Utility that turns the camera into a webcam.
Compatible with a variety of accessories, supporting comfortable video recording.
*1With a mechanical shutter, in high-speed continuous shooting (extended), in JPEG and 12-bit RAW recording.
*2iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch® and Android™ devices to which the SnapBridge app has been installed can be used. The SnapBridge app can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store® and Google Play™. See Nikon’s website for further information.
About Spencer Cox
I'm Spencer Cox, a landscape photographer based in Colorado. I started writing for Photography Life a decade ago, and now I run the website in collaboration with Nasim. I've used nearly every digital camera system under the sun, but for my personal work, I love the slow-paced nature of large format film. You can see more at my personal website and my not-exactly-active Instagram page.
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Olli P.
July 9, 2022 2:55 pm
Uninspiring and underwhelming – those two adjectives just nail it when it comes to assessing the Z 30. ‘Nough said.
Pieter Kers
July 6, 2022 2:47 am
No headphone socket on a video orientated camera ?
Keaton
July 5, 2022 7:42 pm
I can see picking up one of these as a very small, grab-and-go backup camera one day to use with my 28 and 40mm compact primes. These primes make my Z6 pretty small as it is, though, and I’d find the backup camera idea more appealing if it happened to use the same batteries and cards. But I can still see the usefulness of something super small and light.
Patrick Smith
July 1, 2022 11:44 am
Like the Sigma FP had a bastard baby with a Z50? Ugh!
Patrick M.
July 1, 2022 11:03 am
If they put a higher mp full frame sensor in there I’m sold! The 14-30mm and 24-200mm are the perfect lenses for me, and if they put out a lightweight body like this with a full frame sensor I’m in.
As someone whose main lenses are the 14-30mm and 24-200mm, I’d be very interested in an ultralight 36+ MP FX camera like this, with no viewfinder needed. Not sure how big the market would be for that in practice, though.
Michael Chiras
July 1, 2022 9:24 am
I don’t care for video at all. But in my opinion, Nikon just lost a big chance for a D3500 replacement. 1) the price. Its out of place here considering the price of Canon’s M50 mk2 or even the (great) Z50… 2) No EVF!! That was the reason i took the (also great) Canon M6 mk2 out of my list. Sure, its pricier but has pro-sumer specs.
With no new and competitive bodies and no great lenses, Nikon gonna lose entirely on APSC category. And pricewise, their best camera today is the Z5.
Agree, 💯! Nikon might have a trick up their sleeves, such as a Z9/D500 and if so, I’m all in. I’m a D5/D6/D850 combo guy and holding off on the Z9, for a few reasons, mostly I just love DSLR’s and I almost never miss with my D5/D6! I’ve played with two Z9’s now, just too much to relearn and I’m not one who likes to rely on the camera or A.I. to properly focus where/when I want it to, I’m a manual control type of guy I guess, I’m a pro with those AF joysticks! The Z9 has no WT-6A port, and it’s high ISO is a good 0.67 stops worse above about ISO 800? However a $2399 mini Z9 like a D500 replacement makes total sense to me, and I’d happily sell/walk away from my D850 for one. I can’t see Nikon ever shooting themself in the foot again, as in I don’t see a Z9/D850 full frame, Z7 III type camera anytime soon. It would be suicide for Nikon to release an even cheaper Z9 lite/full frame. Maybe if it was 60mp and say 15fps top speed, maybe! I’m just don’t see that right now either. We all believe or know something is going to be announced by end of 2022, I just can’t see the full frame Z9 lite.
Michael, if the Z30 had been priced at $400-500 body only – pretty much regardless of the feature set – I would have sung Nikon’s praises in this article. Price is still the #1 factor that new photographers consider when buying a camera, and Nikon missed a big opportunity to undercut Sony and especially Canon here.
Maybe some of us were expecting a $500 mirrorless D3500 ‘true’ entry level camera? But that would have been significantly de-contented e.g. no 14-bit raw files like the D3000 and D5000 series. Instead, what Nikon have given us is a video-focussed Z 50-like camera, and priced and spec’d comparably to the competition. So, in the market place, it doesn’t ‘appear’ to break any new ground but in ‘practice’ the superior ergonomics of the Z 30’s right hand grip probably makes for a better all round user experience (compared to the competition). I just hope the buying public will give it a chance and not be swayed by all the internet negativity from those of us who were never in the market for a Z 30 in the first place.
Andrew
July 1, 2022 5:59 am
Even though I’m a professional photographer and videographer these days, my background and experience is in corporate land, having an MBA and CEO of two organisations. What I see through my eyes is a flawed strategy by Nikon. They say their target market is the professional/hobbyist shooter. But they can attract these people by getting them into the Nikon ecosystem when they start out as a novice. Not many experienced Canon and Sony shooters are going to switch to Nikon, no matter how good the cameras and lenses are. So you need to hook beginners with something attractive, like Canon has done with the R7. If you had a friend who was interested in getting into photography or videography, who amongst us would recommended the Z30? What a waste of resources launching it, especially after Nikon did so well with the Z9 and recent lens releases. What was Nikon thinking?
“If you had a friend who was interested in getting into photography or videography, who amongst us would recommended the Z30?”
– Depends on budget of course, but if they had to buy new, the Z 30 would be on my list of recommended cameras because 1) great image quality 2) great handling albeit without EVF 3) great/best in class kit lens 4) small but decent set of DX lenses to choose from 5) pathway to grow into the larger and more advanced Z FX range of cameras and lenses.
“What a waste of resources launching it…”
– On the engineering side, because the Z 30 shares so much with the Z fc and Z 50, developing the Z 30 probably didn’t take that much resource which should be good news, as that means the engineering resource could be put into developing the Z 70, Z 6III and Z8, etc.
Disagree with the “didn’t take that much resource”.
Nikon’s mirrorless FF offfering is criticised in every review (AF & complexity of using it effectively) and yet release a class leading leading camera like the Z9 and then they “waste” precious resource engineering time on the Z30 when they could have have focussed on trickling down some of that tech into a Z8..?!
Nikon have publicly acknowledged the urgent need to ‘trickle down’ Z 9 tech throughout their line up. I am sure they are working on it.
The criticism of the Z system AF has in my opinion been completely overblown (by the internet and influencers). Thom Hogan probably has the best analysis and critique of all the brands AF systems.
I have owned and used the D700, D800, D4s before moving my current set up of D850, Z 6 and Z fc. No one in their right mind criticises the D850’s AF and yet in use, I honestly find the Z 6 to be comparable (my success rate across different use cases is similar). Yes, there is a learning curve and the two AF systems work and are controlled slightly differently, but I have nothing really to complain about with the Z 6 autofocus. Even with FW 1.0 shooting a sequence of around 30 photos of cyclists riding towards me at night, I was getting about 80 to 90% in focus shots, and most of the out of focus frames were from when the cyclist had gotten too close to me.
“Hook beginners with something attractive” and you mention the Canon R7? A camera which is more than twice the cost of a Z30! If you think any 1500$ camera is an easy sell to a beginner, a young person or someone with limited funds, like artists? Forget it.
I get asked plenty by people who want a good camera, and there is no one who wants to spend more than 1000$. Lens included. The complaints seem to come from older photographers stuck in the old market, the way the camera market used to be – give us more of the same, change nothing, except better specs. Youtube has an enormous pulling power these days. Nikon did absolutely right with the Z30.
The mistake Nikon did was that it should have been 100-200$ cheaper. The Z30 is better than its competitor the ZVE10. Better ergos and no crop in 4k. Tally light and red record frame on screen are huge. But typically the kind of thing that doesn’t get spec hungry camera nerd blood flowing. In use I’d take proper record indicators over any bit rate any day of the week.
Lack of headphone jack is a bummer, but can be worked around using Rode Go et cetera.
Also should have come from the start with the 12-28mm DX lens that’s on the roadmap.
I think its an excellent product. I am VERY pleased it doesn’t have a viewfinder. Huge fan of the M6ii and Ricoh GRiii.
Channyuk
June 30, 2022 6:42 pm
I’m quite positive about the Z 30. I was a bit worried what a camera lower than the Z 50 in the line up would turn out to be. I think the design team have done a great job with making a Z 50 minus the EVF look appealing, something I wasn’t expecting. And apart from the loss of the EVF and flash, the Z 30 appears to have a number of improvements over the Z 50 e.g. USB charging and simultaneous operation, Z fc AF upgrades, extended video shooting time, fully articulating screen and tally light. And it’s slightly cheaper, so for those coming from smartphones or for the FX Z users wanting a second smaller body, this is great. The Z 50 and Z fc have really good image quality and are very capable cameras so letting the Z 30 retain all of that at a cheaper price is really good.
Bikash
June 30, 2022 2:05 pm
Love it..
Rage1968
June 30, 2022 1:43 pm
this is exactly what I was waiting for to replace my Coolpix A with the advantage of being able to change lenses. It will be my second camera for the street, for video and a spare. Top !
Uninspiring and underwhelming – those two adjectives just nail it when it comes to assessing the Z 30. ‘Nough said.
No headphone socket on a video orientated camera ?
I can see picking up one of these as a very small, grab-and-go backup camera one day to use with my 28 and 40mm compact primes. These primes make my Z6 pretty small as it is, though, and I’d find the backup camera idea more appealing if it happened to use the same batteries and cards. But I can still see the usefulness of something super small and light.
Like the Sigma FP had a bastard baby with a Z50? Ugh!
If they put a higher mp full frame sensor in there I’m sold! The 14-30mm and 24-200mm are the perfect lenses for me, and if they put out a lightweight body like this with a full frame sensor I’m in.
As someone whose main lenses are the 14-30mm and 24-200mm, I’d be very interested in an ultralight 36+ MP FX camera like this, with no viewfinder needed. Not sure how big the market would be for that in practice, though.
I don’t care for video at all. But in my opinion, Nikon just lost a big chance for a D3500 replacement. 1) the price. Its out of place here considering the price of Canon’s M50 mk2 or even the (great) Z50… 2) No EVF!! That was the reason i took the (also great) Canon M6 mk2 out of my list. Sure, its pricier but has pro-sumer specs.
With no new and competitive bodies and no great lenses, Nikon gonna lose entirely on APSC category. And pricewise, their best camera today is the Z5.
Agree, 💯! Nikon might have a trick up their sleeves, such as a Z9/D500 and if so, I’m all in. I’m a D5/D6/D850 combo guy and holding off on the Z9, for a few reasons, mostly I just love DSLR’s and I almost never miss with my D5/D6! I’ve played with two Z9’s now, just too much to relearn and I’m not one who likes to rely on the camera or A.I. to properly focus where/when I want it to, I’m a manual control type of guy I guess, I’m a pro with those AF joysticks! The Z9 has no WT-6A port, and it’s high ISO is a good 0.67 stops worse above about ISO 800? However a $2399 mini Z9 like a D500 replacement makes total sense to me, and I’d happily sell/walk away from my D850 for one. I can’t see Nikon ever shooting themself in the foot again, as in I don’t see a Z9/D850 full frame, Z7 III type camera anytime soon. It would be suicide for Nikon to release an even cheaper Z9 lite/full frame. Maybe if it was 60mp and say 15fps top speed, maybe! I’m just don’t see that right now either. We all believe or know something is going to be announced by end of 2022, I just can’t see the full frame Z9 lite.
Michael, if the Z30 had been priced at $400-500 body only – pretty much regardless of the feature set – I would have sung Nikon’s praises in this article. Price is still the #1 factor that new photographers consider when buying a camera, and Nikon missed a big opportunity to undercut Sony and especially Canon here.
Maybe some of us were expecting a $500 mirrorless D3500 ‘true’ entry level camera? But that would have been significantly de-contented e.g. no 14-bit raw files like the D3000 and D5000 series. Instead, what Nikon have given us is a video-focussed Z 50-like camera, and priced and spec’d comparably to the competition. So, in the market place, it doesn’t ‘appear’ to break any new ground but in ‘practice’ the superior ergonomics of the Z 30’s right hand grip probably makes for a better all round user experience (compared to the competition). I just hope the buying public will give it a chance and not be swayed by all the internet negativity from those of us who were never in the market for a Z 30 in the first place.
Even though I’m a professional photographer and videographer these days, my background and experience is in corporate land, having an MBA and CEO of two organisations. What I see through my eyes is a flawed strategy by Nikon. They say their target market is the professional/hobbyist shooter. But they can attract these people by getting them into the Nikon ecosystem when they start out as a novice. Not many experienced Canon and Sony shooters are going to switch to Nikon, no matter how good the cameras and lenses are. So you need to hook beginners with something attractive, like Canon has done with the R7. If you had a friend who was interested in getting into photography or videography, who amongst us would recommended the Z30? What a waste of resources launching it, especially after Nikon did so well with the Z9 and recent lens releases. What was Nikon thinking?
“If you had a friend who was interested in getting into photography or videography, who amongst us would recommended the Z30?”
– Depends on budget of course, but if they had to buy new, the Z 30 would be on my list of recommended cameras because 1) great image quality 2) great handling albeit without EVF 3) great/best in class kit lens 4) small but decent set of DX lenses to choose from 5) pathway to grow into the larger and more advanced Z FX range of cameras and lenses.
“What a waste of resources launching it…”
– On the engineering side, because the Z 30 shares so much with the Z fc and Z 50, developing the Z 30 probably didn’t take that much resource which should be good news, as that means the engineering resource could be put into developing the Z 70, Z 6III and Z8, etc.
Disagree with the “didn’t take that much resource”.
Nikon’s mirrorless FF offfering is criticised in every review (AF & complexity of using it effectively) and yet release a class leading leading camera like the Z9 and then they “waste” precious resource engineering time on the Z30 when they could have have focussed on trickling down some of that tech into a Z8..?!
Nikon have publicly acknowledged the urgent need to ‘trickle down’ Z 9 tech throughout their line up. I am sure they are working on it.
The criticism of the Z system AF has in my opinion been completely overblown (by the internet and influencers). Thom Hogan probably has the best analysis and critique of all the brands AF systems.
I have owned and used the D700, D800, D4s before moving my current set up of D850, Z 6 and Z fc. No one in their right mind criticises the D850’s AF and yet in use, I honestly find the Z 6 to be comparable (my success rate across different use cases is similar). Yes, there is a learning curve and the two AF systems work and are controlled slightly differently, but I have nothing really to complain about with the Z 6 autofocus. Even with FW 1.0 shooting a sequence of around 30 photos of cyclists riding towards me at night, I was getting about 80 to 90% in focus shots, and most of the out of focus frames were from when the cyclist had gotten too close to me.
“Hook beginners with something attractive” and you mention the Canon R7? A camera which is more than twice the cost of a Z30! If you think any 1500$ camera is an easy sell to a beginner, a young person or someone with limited funds, like artists? Forget it.
I get asked plenty by people who want a good camera, and there is no one who wants to spend more than 1000$. Lens included. The complaints seem to come from older photographers stuck in the old market, the way the camera market used to be – give us more of the same, change nothing, except better specs. Youtube has an enormous pulling power these days. Nikon did absolutely right with the Z30.
The mistake Nikon did was that it should have been 100-200$ cheaper. The Z30 is better than its competitor the ZVE10. Better ergos and no crop in 4k. Tally light and red record frame on screen are huge. But typically the kind of thing that doesn’t get spec hungry camera nerd blood flowing. In use I’d take proper record indicators over any bit rate any day of the week.
Lack of headphone jack is a bummer, but can be worked around using Rode Go et cetera.
Also should have come from the start with the 12-28mm DX lens that’s on the roadmap.
I think its an excellent product. I am VERY pleased it doesn’t have a viewfinder. Huge fan of the M6ii and Ricoh GRiii.
I’m quite positive about the Z 30. I was a bit worried what a camera lower than the Z 50 in the line up would turn out to be. I think the design team have done a great job with making a Z 50 minus the EVF look appealing, something I wasn’t expecting. And apart from the loss of the EVF and flash, the Z 30 appears to have a number of improvements over the Z 50 e.g. USB charging and simultaneous operation, Z fc AF upgrades, extended video shooting time, fully articulating screen and tally light. And it’s slightly cheaper, so for those coming from smartphones or for the FX Z users wanting a second smaller body, this is great. The Z 50 and Z fc have really good image quality and are very capable cameras so letting the Z 30 retain all of that at a cheaper price is really good.
Love it..
this is exactly what I was waiting for to replace my Coolpix A with the advantage of being able to change lenses. It will be my second camera for the street, for video and a spare. Top !