Nikon Z30: Nikon’s smallest APS-C hybrid for vlogging

A Nikon Z 50 without a viewfinder

After a fairly classic Z50 in form and substance, a Z fc with a vintage touch, Nikon is back with a new APS-C body, the Z30 (or Z 30 according to the official nomenclature). This “little brother” was then quite clearly inspired by his two eldest. From the Z fc, it takes up the touch screen on a ball joint; of the Z50, it borrows the lightened design of the electronic viewfinder.

A device for vlogging

A fairly logical choice since the Z30 is intended above all for those who film themselves, particularly in vlogging. This choice, which could confuse the most purist photographers, is not isolated, since Sony already launched in July 2021 an APS-C hybrid for vlogging also without a viewfinder, the ZV-E10.

In terms of form, the Z30 therefore looks like a decapitated Z50. Here and there, some buttons have been moved and we find this well dug handle, always useful for the grip. In the register of novelties, in addition to the screen now mounted on a ball joint, an essential option for the practice of vlogging, we can also note the presence of a red LED serving as a Tally light, to indicate to the user that the camera is recording.

A dual Exspeed 6 processor

Inside the little beast (405 g), we find the 20.9 Mpx sensor of the firm’s other APS-C hybrids. A slightly light definition for photography for a device launched in 2022, but which will not pose a problem for taking videos, the main use of this box. To power it all, we can count on a dual Expeed 6 processor, which should significantly improve autofocus performance compared to other Nikon APS-C cameras – like the gain on the Z6 II and Z7 II. Eye and face recognition of humans and pets has been improved. The burst is announced at 11 fps.

Access to the memory card (UHS-I standard) is unfortunately still not the bottom, which is hardly practical, especially when using a tripod. Charging is possible while powered via the USB-C socket. For the rest of the connections, there is an HDMI socket and a microphone input.

4K UHD without limitation

In video, we have 4K UHD and up to 30p without recording limitation. For lovers of slow motion, it will be necessary to go down to Full HD to obtain 120 fps, with a capture limit of 125 min.

Price and availability

The Nikon Z 30 will be marketed from July 14, 2022 at a price of €799 naked. It will cost €949 as a kit with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50 f/3.5-6.3 VR and €1,219 with the kit and the Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR zoom. By way of comparison, its most direct rival, the Sony ZV-E10 is displayed naked for 750 € and a hundred euros more expensive as a kit; when the Panasonic Lumix G100, another hybrid for vlogging, but with a Micro 4/3 sensor, is sold for €650 naked.