Nikon Z30 review detailed, hands-on - no ads, no interruptions 

That was my conclusion too.

Excellent to the point detailed and meaningful video. Thank you

I agree, it's a very comprehensive camera, with a menu system that while familiar for Nikon photographers offers lots of new options and features. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

What a pleasure to read your kind words, thanks very much!

Yes, that was my thought as well. There are likely a whole generation of phone photographers who don't understand what they're missing. The whole time I was using the Z30, my instinct was to bring it up to my eye ...

Thanks for the update, glad to hear you’ve found a camera that provides satisfaction

Good plan, thanks for adding your thoughts.

Keep in mind. The FTZ adapter alone is already bigger in size than the camera lens itself.

However, old AF lenses won't autofocus

Glad to hear that my videos are helping you make the most of your camera.

You are absolutely right. If she's ready to move up from a phone, this will take great photos in auto mode and then, when she's ready to advance it has all the features and controls needed. It's a good starter lens, but that might be the first upgrade.

Nah, get a D850 and a manual focus Zeiss. Learn the hard way😆

I believe it's best to let the camera do what it can do (focus, expose) so that the learning photographer can concentrate on the things the camera can't do (composition, timing). Some photographers will then recognize that they want to control the exposure and focus, and the Z30 provides the opportunity to take that step when the time comes.

@@MaartenHeilbron hey mr maarten. I buyed this camera to my sister based on your review. And she loved it ! She still cant quite figure out iso shutter etc. But she developed lovely composition skills. She started to take photos that blow my mind. When she become specialize further in photograpy im gonna buy her Z5 since she loved nikon.

@@MaartenHeilbron True, but you can understand that a Z30 will never be on my gear list. The fact that there is no viewfinder is just unnatural for me.

My pleasure, always nice to read that my videos are appreciated.

Until you get to video, when I found to be somewhat unreliable - at least for a subject who wears glasses.

@@MaartenHeilbron I shot a video and I wear glasses it did a really good job. I was using bnw profile and video lights. It locked on my eyes really good

AF is very very good!!

I have the Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 on the Z30, the absolute hammer for street and more. I love this combo!

That was my conclusion also, thanks for taking the time to comment.

@wakeywarrior what about the autofocus? From what I’ve read on paper, Sony’s autofocus is better.

It is, but that doesn't mean it's worthless here, just not quite as good. That is only one feature/characteristic used to evaluate the overall usefulness of a camera.

@@sankalpachakma maybe the Sony’s is better, but the question to ask is- has the Nikon been shown on real world use to let me down and so I notice it’s not as good? Answer is no. They have performed the same. If you go on my channel you will see a night video in London I took with the Nikon on full auto. All of the footage, including all the footage I didn’t use was in focus. So if the Nikon’s autofocus performs with no problems, what’s the matter that Sony may be a bit better?

Thanks for adding this helpful note, appreciated.

Glad my video was helpful! Thanks for your kind words.

I wouldn't trade the Z7 in for this one.

It does have RAW for editing, and in an inexpensive consumer camera, I really don't expect or need LOG for video. Otherwise, yes, an accurate analysis.

Always appreciate that I've been able to provide the information you needed to make a good decision.

@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks mate. Regarding the low video time before over heating, I've seen that there as a charger pack you can buy that reduces over heating. I'm looking for interviewing quality as well as taking some good photos from time to time. What would be a good value set up in your opinion?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Great gift! Please congratulate her on our behalf.

Thank you, I do my best to be as detailed as I can.

That's great to hear - there are many older models that still provide excellent results. Sometimes it's a pity that they're being replaced by newer models.

Always a pleasure to read your kind words, thanks!! And if you don't hate editing, it does RAW. But yes, a perfect little travel point and shoot. I thought the pricing was fair - but yes, a lower price would certainly widen its appeal.

I picked this up for the picture profiles and 3 custom settings on the dial.

Nikon's picture control settings (NPC) are generally overlooked even by most professional users, and IMO that is a serious mistake. The truth is that you always have to work with NPC, whether you actively decide to do so or just accept the standard/automatic setting that the camera selects by default. Selecting the proper NPC can actually save you a lot of editing work, as you have noticed yourself already. I've been shooting with Nikon digital cameras for the past 14 years and have always actively selected NPC. That makes RAW development a breeze, but you have to use Nikon's own RAW developing software Capture NX, Capture NX2, Capture NX-D or NX Studio* in order to fully utilise the NPC. Adobe Photoshop, Capture One and Affinity Photo ignore NPC entirely, Adobe Lightroom, DxO Photo Lab and ON1 Photo RAW more or less successfully try to imitate the usual settings such as Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Vivid and Neutral, but that's a far cry from the way Nikon have implemented their NPC. * Capture NX, Capture NX2 and Capture NX-D are discontinued products but may still work on Windows 10 machines. The current software is NX Studio, and although it certainly has its shortcomings, I actually quite like working with it.

@@EricMustardman if you select a NPC does that carry over to RAW files.

Nikon RAW files include the settings used for JPEG output, but they are not baked into the file and can be changed (or ignored) with RAW editors.

I appreciate that! Thanks for commenting.

I'm sorry if you were disappointed in my reply. However, I generally limit my responses to the question, which enables me to answer them all. Thanks for adding your worthwhile thoughts.

Thanks, always a pleasure to read kind words.

That is generally true, but Sony's biggest advantage over the Z30 is the viewfinder.

A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks!

Glad you liked it! Thanks for your kind words.

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting.

Yes, those are desirable features and the tradeoff that's made to achieve this price.

Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words.

I appreciate that! Thanks for your kind words.

Thanks! I appreciate your kind words.

Thanks. I dont' keep a log of those kinds of things, but looking at the image, I think it's the Zoom F2-BT, with the mic that was included with that kit. It's been my go-to for out-of-studio single mic lapel use for several years now. It has a built in recorder, so I don't have to run a cable to the camera. I've got several wireless kits, but as they're not fully reliable, I only use them when I have to and have the time to check the entire recording before I wrap.

Thanks for your kind words - maybe I should start to include the disclaimer "no AI was used to create this video"?

Fujifilm has become wary of the media and did not provide an advanced briefing, as a result, I currently don't have more information that you do. Just finishing my video about the X-H2 and waiting for the X-T5 review unit - but have been told that it won't be a pre-production model.

Awesome, thank you! Nice to know my videos are useful and appreciated.

I appreciate your kind words, please say hello to all my friends in India.

Glad it was helpful! Always nice to read kind words from viewers.

Always nice to hear from viewers who enjoy my videos, thanks!!

Always nice to hear from an appreciative viewer. Thanks for the kind words.

Yes it would, as the battery is still used even when the camera is externally powered.

All good points, thanks for commenting. For vlogging, a phone might still be a suitable solution.

Its not significantly better than a flagship phone for me

Then we leave you to your phone and hope it serves you well.

@@MaartenHeilbron it has actually - I can get it to focus. I couldn't get the Z30 to do the same.

Go with the device that works best for you.

Thanks for your kind words. 1) N oin camera stabilization will match a tripod or gimbal. Have a look at the Ronin-S. 2) Quality video requires good lighting - no in camera setting can compensate. 3) All internal mics are terrible and usable only for background ambience in my opinion. If audio quality is a concern, use external audio.

Thanks, that's a hard call, as your interests and intentions will be very personal. I don't have a good sense of the current z-mount lens market to make a good recommendation.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f2.8 or Nikon Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7

I find more to like on the ZV-E10, although neither has a viewfinder. The e-mount lens selection is superior.

I second that motion.

+1

I'd likely take the 16-50. While it doesn't offer the same range, the larger aperture is my preference.

Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.

No. The image quality of the Z6II remains superior - mostly as it's full frame and can offer more detail and background defocus. Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words.

This video (when the Z30 is in the shot) was recorded with the Sony A7 IV. From about 8:25, it's recorded on the Z30.

It's a production model, it came in a consumer package box.

Always my pleasure, thanks for your kind words.

Always nice to know that there's a "just right" camera for everyone. Thanks for commenting.

In my experience, the use of a viewfinder is a very personal decision - many who are familiar with phone cameras, and are used to using the LCD screen don't miss the viewfinder. Personally, I find it helps to stabilize the camera and the shot, doesn't wash out in bright light and helps me to compose without distraction.

I appreciate your kind words. I'd start with 24-70 f2.8 if the budget permits, otherwise f4.

@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you for your kind response. Suppose i want to buy an entry level mirrorless camera initially for casual/vacation photography mostly to be used in auto mode. But later i want to get more lenses to pursue photography as a serious hobby, then what would be your recommendation among the below: 1. Nikon Z50 2. Canon R10 3. Sony 6400

Any of these is a good choice for your purposes. I'd say to make your choice with your wallet (price); your hand (how it feels and operates) and your heart (which brand or camera design you prefer).

Depends on your needs. Considering the full frames are fairly pricey, large and heavy - I'd consider the smaller primes 35mm (50mm equivalent on this sensor) or less. Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.

It would be good a low light with a better lens.

They are both fine cameras that are roughly equivalent. You might prefer one if you already have compatible lenses. If there's no specific feature or capability that makes your choice simpler, I'd suggest you make your decision based on your wallet, the feel of the camera and controls in your hand and your brand/design preference.

@@MaartenHeilbron thanks !!

Sadly, we're all waiting longer than usual for everything. I ordered my meal at a restaurant on Sunday and they said to come back Thursday. :-)

With apologies, have not had them side by side. In general, Sony's "sunny weather" setting provides a brighter display than the competition.

Welks!

For both it should be possible to configure the settings so that the screen represents (fairly) accurately the image that will be recorded.

I would give the Z30 a small edge in video quality, mostly because of it's higher data rate. However, on RU-vid, it's unlikely that anyone could differentiate the two.

@@MaartenHeilbron owwww didn't expect that. I had paid much more money than what the cost of z30 cost now for my 6300 and I believed that until now should be better. But in 6300 I can't stand the overheating issue every 30 minutes of 4k recording even with a cage and the non flip display so it is good for me that the z30 is even better and I can replace. Does the z30 has any overheating issue in 4k ? What about the photos quality compared to 6300 ? When you uploaded this video called it's over I was very sad about you decision. You are one of the best in what you do and very honest . I hope soon to change your mind and come back again. Thanks for everything Mr. Any better option for RU-vid videos than z30 in close budget???

Thanks for your kind words. Your expectations may be too high. Here are some of my beliefs: All small cameras overheat.; All newer cameras are better than older cameras, particularly regarding video. Your budget parameters will limit you to smaller cameras and given age vs. cost, are all very similar in quality (for youtube anyway). For me, then main differences are operational.

Always nice to hear from an appreciative viewer.

Use the setting labelled shoot without lens.

Is this in the settings menu?@@MaartenHeilbron

My apologies. Most cameras have a "shoot without lens" setting for using non-compatible lenses. According to the manual, the Z30 does not have this setting. I no longer have the camera here to check. However, as you are using a Nikon adapter, possibly there's a malfunction with the adapter if the camera works properly with other lenses.

I’d probably go with the Canon, but small cameras can be a challenge for video production as they overheat quickly.

@@MaartenHeilbron thank you so much! And thank you for your channel, your videos are so great and useful

I agree that you can find cameras in the same price range with better AF systems.

Although depth of field (depending on your lens and settings) and colour reproduction will be improved, the major improvement will be quality - higher bandwidth recordings will result in better detail. However, for me, the main benefit is control - the Z30 provides control over a wide range of settings not available on phone cameras. While I'm a video purist and would not dream of using auto settings (as they rarely select the shutter duration I feel is appropriate) you'll find the Z30s computer to be much better than an older DSLR.

@@MaartenHeilbron thanks! 😊 I'm less concerned on control. I'll be on auto mode on most days, but it still feels like a nice upgrade.

Depending on your intentions, I'd also consider the Sony ZV-E10 and A6400 or the Fujifilm X-S10.

1) Yes 2) No idea.

For me, I would prefer the X-E4 as it has a viewfinder. However, if you can find an X-E3, I would prefer that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rrKmH-YTpYI.html

Thank you for the insight!

Until recently I had an X-E4 with the XF 27mm and the XF 35mm. The image quality of the X-E4 is superb, but the image quality of the Z30 is also great. The difference between the two cameras is the Fuji film simulations and the small viewfinder of the X-E4. The viewfinder is not bad, but it is suboptimal for people who wear glasses, especially as the diopter setting keeps changing. As a street photographer, I get along very well with the Z30 and the great display. I am also more flexible in the flow of the mass. And - the Z30 is many times more ergonomic than the X-E4. This is what a convinced X photographer - who has learned to love the Nikon Z series - says.

I have not been able to borrow the R10 from Canon Canada, so really can't offer any guidance.

That depends on your needs. In terms of the sensor, they are very similar. Sony offers slightly higher resolution, which might be useful for some. Otherwise, it depends on your brand preference, which feels better in your hand, and which your wallet prefers. Either way, I would not recommend the kit lenses.

No idea. I have no control over prices in the marketplace either in Canada or elsewhere.

Interesting thought.

There are two settings that might affect the tone of sunlight, especially near sunset. If you want the amber tone to be recognized, use the auto white balance A2 setting (keep warm colours). The other setting that might affect the colour rendition is Picture Control. Selecting Vivid will enhance your colours. Hope this helps.

Right. If you're just taking travel snaps and video clips, use your phone. If you are going to take the time to stop and take photographs, then the Z50 is a good choice. However, there are lots of options. In APS-C, I'd recommend you consider a Fujifilm model like the X-S20. In Nikon's line the Z50 will steer you to lesser quality lenses, in Fujifilm's line, all the lenses are APS-C. However, you need to choose a camera that fits your wallet, that is comfortable in your hand and matches your brand preference and sense of style. Any camera that meets those parameters should motivate you to always have it at your side and create better quality images.

Which camera did you go with? I would use this for backpacking but am concerned with sunny days and no EVF. Ounces do matter to me 😅

A pleaure to read your kind words, thanks!

Although it's a problem for some Sony models, I haven't noticed it with Nikon so wouldn't worry. On the other hand, if you're the careless type

While clearly that will work, it will likely make the camera quite front heavy.

@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks. But will the FTZ adapter work with 18-55 or 70-300 kit lens?

It will adapt all F mount lenses to Z mount. Depending on the configuration of older F mount lens, some auto features (exposure/focus) may not work, or not work as expected.

​@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks for the video Maarten. For others our there: The Z30 with the FTZ adapter will work with most F mount lenses but one must consider the Z30 does not have a motor to drive the lens AF. So lenses that don't have a built in motor will be manual focus. I am using full frame (FX) and crop (DX) lenses that have a motor and some have VR with the Z30. Although many weigh more than the Z30, it looks weird and unbalanced the Z30 provides modern features such as eye tracking to some of my existing high/reasonable quality lenses. Also the distortion and chromatic aberration is usually most prominent in the outer part of any lens and with the APS-C ~1.5x crop using an FX lens you are only using the more central part of the optics, so happy days. It's a relatively affordable body to buy as a second camera and get a prolonged and updated use out of existing lenses. With the adaptor for example, you can stick a 35mm 1.8 on it and it's still reasonably compact and it's basically your 50mm (52.5 for the pedants) equivalent with good optics. The kit 16 to 50mm it comes with is pretty awful if you are into photography but yes it's compact. I am independent too and see a lot of limitations of this camera apart from the kit lens. It's low res. you have a physically massive lens mount you don't benefit from, no EVF and and and... but I take this camera out for fun and enjoy it, where as my ten year old D800 (which is still amazing to me) I use when my purpose is solely to go out for photography. I am older gen too! So used to an optical (or any) view finder but that doesn't mean I don't see wonderful advantages of the touch screen approach. In some circumstances it's better. Do your own research of what works for you and your kit but if you are a photographer, have a Nikon DSLR and a bunch of lenses you have accumulated (and even if you are not a blogger!) but want to dip you toes into newer tech and a light-weight camera with full features, this camera with the FTZ to my mind is a good way to do it.

Thanks for sharing your detailed notes, appreciated.

hehe, with some improvements in focus

That would depend on my needs and my preferences as well as my photographic intentions. Of the top of my had, the X-S10.

@@MaartenHeilbron thanks for the reply sir 🙏🙏🙏

Understood. Luckily, that's an option.

Understood, as Nikon likely can't consider all the variations proposed by third party lens manufacturers. I would use 13mm.

@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks a ton. As you said, I will use 13 mm. Will get back to you in case of any unique result.

Yes, please keep us posted.

That will depend on your preferences and needs.

First, comments like yours always make me I wonder why some people have so little tolerance for those who don't share their minor differences, preferences and observances. Are you also bothered by my use of metric measurements? My pronunciation of ISO? My preference for shirts with collars? But, to answer your question, I suppose that we have our preferences and differences in the pronunciation of a letter for the same reason that some people prefer tea while others like coffee - it's tradition, habit and familiarity. Let's stop trying to make everyone the same, and instead celebrate our individuality and embrace the wonderful diversity that this planet offers us.

In British Englsh it's always been zed. It became zee in the U.S for some reason.Americans say rout instead of route( root) for some strange reason,although they dont sin " I got my kicks on rowt 66"

Im in English - the correct way to pronounce it is Zed not Zee

First, you betray your purported expertise or background with your first statement. No English speaker would say that - it's either "I'm English, I speak English or I am in England". Then, back to my first reply - what may be accepted as a pronounciation in your circle may not be generally accepted as correct by others. I choose to pronounce words a certain way as that's my preference - not because I feel it's "correct".

Americans say " rowt" instead of the correct" root" to say " route. But they sing " root 66"

The professional is the person holding the camera. Gear is just gear.

Thanks@@MaartenHeilbron

In the right hands, it is.

It is counting down the remaining time on the memory card. Your assessment of the "competition" between cameras and phones is overly simplistic and does not include the large number of factors that make cameras much more desirable from lenses and sensor size to manual control of exposure, external monitors and recording and audio features. While for many hobbyists a phone may be sufficient, for those with higher standards, it is not.

Canon Canada has not been very forthcoming with review cameras this year, so that seems unlikely.

@@MaartenHeilbron very sad to know that... Nonetheless you are great as always.. have a splendid weekend ahead...

Thanks for your kind words - they're always appreciated.

For a beginner, either is fine. Choose your favourite based on how it fits in your hand, your wallet and your brand/style/design preference.

@@MaartenHeilbron thank you so much !! Greeting from México

Always my pleasure, please say hello to all my friends in Mexico!

I'd love to hear from other viewers on this question!

Own both an XT30 (mk1) and the z30, the Nikon feels much better in the hand I had to buy a tripod mounted grip to make the Fuji usable and it still feels awkward even with my small hands. The XT30 is as close as I've been able to get to Nikons straight out of camera colours though which is great, I like taking pictures and capturing what I see not spending hours in lightroom trying to recreate reality and they're both good at that. I bought the XT30 because Nikon mirrorless

Good comments, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@@dontcallmebrave Hi. Thanks for the comments...really appreciate it. I can see that the feel of the camera is really important to you and as it is to me too. I think the idea of a Nikon comes from my history of using them rather than the rational thoughts of the what the camera can do and what it does well. Based on your comments I went and had a look at the Fuji range and was suprised at how nice they feel and the control layout and price. So I hired one for a day and really fell for the feel (which is really special) and the images I am getting out of camera are excellent...it makes it seem really creative with the film sims and colour control...I hate editing so prefer to shoot for straight out of the camera if possible...so this is a camera that just suits me. So I got the x-t4...a bit more expensive but the weather sealing, high res viewfinder, IBIS etc made me think it was worth it. By the way, the fuji video is great so it may be worth a try for you...I think the xt30 has the same quality. I got the kit lens 18-55mm f2.8 which is quite good actually. I will get some primes in time. I think the auto focus is OK for me, as I will use it for street, landscape and travel and I am not missing shots. Thanks a lot for your thoughts. I think I got the right camera for me...which is what its all about.

Paul Carmody, people were buying Nikon DSLRs for lots of different reasons - *enormous* used market, bigger than even Canon (my reason; I buy everything used); excellent flashes that can take Nikon's power pack or inexp Pixel power pack (SB910/SB5000); excellent DSLR lenses including TS lenses; sunk cost in having multiple lenses - switching brands means large outlay for Sony/Canon lenses; build quality, ergonomics, menus, color science, pro-level bodies (D3, D3s, D5, D6, Z9) & D850 & D500; snappy AF in DSLR line; huge line of accessories (viewfinders, battery grips, AC power adapters, etc).. Staying up-to-date on the problems particular Nikon, Sony, Canon, & Fuji cameras and lenses have [reviews & complaints by people *who bought* their gear, and use it for a few years, as opposed to reviewers] gives insight into particular tics/quirks/shortcomings/design compromises/outright poor design/poor QC various models have. Canon is 7X the size of Nikon, & Sony is ~ 22X larger, so the amt of resources they were able to devote to mirrorless [*and marketing*, in Sony's case] was - *is* - much larger; but now that they're expanding the line up with Z9, Z30, long telephotos, excellent zooms, the coming f/1.2 primes, Z6 II, Z7 II, & probably a high-end APS-C Z70/Z90, people who stayed with Nikon because of the build quality won't have as much reason to leave [defending with faint praise😅, lol, but excellent color science, exc build quality, great ergonomics, familiarity with the menus, sunk cost of lenses, & big used market for buyers, mean a lot in combination].

It's suitable, but that depends primarily on the lens. With the kit, I would not recommend it for those purposes.

@@MaartenHeilbron ok, got it. thank you for your attention. You are always very kind ☺️

A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks.

It is not.

Ďakujem za pridanie vašich myšlienok. Áno, veľa možností na zváženie.

It does not support a log format nor HLG, which likely means the answer to your question should be "no".

That would depend on your interests and needs. In the abstract, I'd probably have a slight preference here - but would prefer a camera with a viewfinder.

In your opinion, what is the best in terms of image and video quality and screen resolution between Nikon z30 and fujifilm xa7

As the sensors are roughly equivalent, the difference in image quality will mostly be on your lens and your photography skills.

It can.

@@MaartenHeilbron thanks. I found out earlier. I just picked up my Z30 yesterday. It will be my second camera. My first is a Z7ii

Wow! It can do high speed sync which I have never thought of before for this category of camera. It is definitely a bonus point for me to consider getting a Z30 for use with SB700 as I do high speed sync sometimes. By the way, I am a Nikon shooter.

If you've watched the video and understand what the limitations are, you could consider the Z30. However, what is unsatisfactory about your iPhone 13? Why do you feel the need to make a change?

You mean it’s better or equal as iPhone 13

I do not mean that. I mean, if you are creating content for RU-vid, and you have a workflow that's working for you and your audience, I don't see any reason to make a change. My question is - what do you feel is unsatisfactory, and what changes do you feel you need to make? Or are you just suffering from gear envy?

Right. I wish they'd join the club that displays the percentage.

Yes, the subcontinent gets hot. Best to select another model if you're going to do video.