Nikon Z 30: Vlogging camera with 4K resolution and interchangeable lenses

With the Nikon Z 30, the manufacturer has officially presented its smallest and lightest camera of the Z series so far. The camera with an APS-C sensor is primarily designed for vlogging and records videos in 4K resolution with 30 frames per second. This positions it similarly to competitor Sony ZV-E10 and also relies on interchangeable lenses.

The Nikon Z 30 in detail

With the Nikon Z 30, the manufacturer blows a direct attack on Sony, which launched a vlogging camera with interchangeable lenses last year with the ZV-E10. The new Nikon, which comes with a DX-format APC-C sensor, is in the same vein.

It is compact and lightweight, measuring 128 mm x 73.5 x 59.5 mm and weighing 405 grams (including battery and memory card). The image resolution of the CMOS sensor with a size of 23.5 mm × 15.7 mm is 20.9 megapixels and thus below the Sony competitor, which brings it to 24.2 megapixels.

In return, the light sensitivity can be set higher. Anything between ISO 100 and ISO 51,200 is possible, whereas Sony only goes up to a maximum of ISO 32,000. When adjusting the light value, even up to ISO 204,800 is possible. You can set the exposure time between 1/4000 s up to a maximum of 30 s. Up to 11 frames per second are possible for continuous shooting.

Photos are taken in NEF format (RAW) with 12-bit or 24-bit depth, as well as JPEG in various quality levels.Videos takes the Nikon Z 30 maximum in 4K resolution with 30 frames per second possible and without cropping (crop). Full HD recordings are even possible with up to 120 FPS to create slow motion videos. HDR recordings are also possible.

They are saved in MOV or MP4 format, RAW and Pro-Res videos are accordingly not possible. The YouTubers from DPReviewTV have already tested the camera:

Battery life, other features and lenses

The Nikon Z 30 uses the EN-EL25 battery, which is also compatible with other cameras from the manufacturer. It is said to allow up to 125 minutes of video recording in 1080p, as well as 35 minutes of 4K video.

For charging and transferring, the Z 30 uses a USB-C port. There is also a mini HDMI output and a 3.5 mm jack for connecting external microphones. However, a stereo microphone is already built into the case.

A pity, however: Just like Sony, Nikon does without a viewfinder. Instead, there is a 3-inch TFT-LC display with a resolution of 1.04 million pixels that can be rotated and tilted. The case also has room for an SD memory card, but only up to SDHC and SDXC UHS-I at the most.

Different autofocus modes are offered, which can also recognize eyes (Eye Detection AF) and animals (Animal Detection AF). Whether you can keep up with the counterparts from Sony here remains to be seen.

Thanks to the interchangeable lenses, there’s a wide variety of lenses available for the Nikon Z 30, so you can arm the camera for any need. Here you use the in-house Z bayonet mount, which offers a wide selection. Nikkor lenses with F bayonet can also be used in combination with a bayonet adapter.

• Can it be a little more? Nikon Z 9: Pro DSLM with 8K video and 45.7 megapixel sensor coming

Price and Availability

The Nikon Z 30 is expected to be available in stores from mid-July 2022. Here the manufacturer on its own website calls a recommended retail price of 799 euros. Alternatively, the camera is available as a kit consisting of a Z 30 and 16-50 VR lens for 959 euros, with an additional 50-250 VR zoom lens for 1,219 euros or as a Vlogger kit for 999 euros. Sony’s ZV-E 10 counterpart is currently at 749 euros for the body alone.