If you are a new photographer wanting to shoot both photos and videos, an excellent digital camera to consider is the Nikon Z30. It’s a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera perfect for anyone looking to invest in their first “real camera.” Moreover, its easy-to-use design makes it a fantastic choice for beginners and children.
In this Nikon Z30 review, we’ll break down the camera’s photo and video capabilities, recommend our favorite lenses to pair with it, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used Nikon Z30 has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are dutifully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We have used MPB’s online platform for years to buy, sell, and trade in camera equipment, and the quality of their products and services has always blown us away. That’s why we are thrilled to endorse them here. Now, without further ado, let’s learn everything there is to know about the Nikon Z30!
Check out the video above by Nikon Europe for a quick peek at what makes the Nikon Z30 one of the best vlogging cameras in 2023.
Table of Contents
- Nikon Z30 Review: Overview
- Nikon Z30 Review: Imaging Capabilities
- Nikon Z30 Review: Video Capabilities
- Recommended Lenses for the Nikon Z30
- Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z30
Nikon Z30 Review: Overview
The Nikon Z30 is an entry-level mirrorless camera launched in the summer of 2022. It sports a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, an updated Expeed 6 image processor, and an affordable price tag of only $684.
One of its signature features is the accurate and responsive autofocus (AF). It uses a hybrid AF system consisting of phase-detection and contrast-detection AF points. Furthermore, it boasts face/eye-detection technology that makes shooting sharp, in-focus photos and videos a piece of cake. It’s especially useful when taking portraits.
More user-friendly characteristics include a photo/video mode toggle, a top stereo microphone, and built-in Wi-Fi. The toggle allows you to seamlessly switch between shooting modes. The mic captures high-quality audio, saving you time in post-production. And using its Wi-Fi, you can instantly send content to your mobile devices.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Nikon Z30:
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 – 51,200 (expandable to 100 – 204,800)
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
- Speed: 11.0 fps
- Autofocus: 209 focus points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 128 x 74 x 60 mm / 405 grams
- Battery Life: 330 shots
- Stabilization: Digital e-VR image stabilization
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Nikon Z30 Price: $684
Nikon Z30 Review: Imaging Capabilities
When taking still photos, you have tons of options to choose from. For example, the automatic shooting mode is ideal for people who are brand new to photography. There are three semi-automatic modes for those with a little more experience and who want to start playing around with the three aspects of the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, ISO).
On top of that, there are a bunch of built-in presets and filters. While they are only available if you shoot JPEGs, they can be a fun, creative tool to play around with if you don’t intend or want to edit your photos.
Two other notable imaging capabilities of the Nikon Z30 are its fast continuous shooting and time-lapse mode. Burst shooting tops out at an above-average 11 frames per second, making the Z30 a good choice for wildlife, sport, and action photography. Alternatively, the time-lapse mode allows you to create gorgeous time-lapses directly in the camera.
Nikon Z30 Review: Video Capabilities
Video is the name of the game when it comes to the Nikon Z30. When Nikon built this camera, they did it specifically with YouTubers, vloggers, and influencers in mind. That means there are a handful of helpful video essentials that you will rarely find on other beginner cameras.
For starters, the Z30 offers 4K/30p video capabilities and 1080p/120p Full HD slow-motion video. The 4K video quality is stunning, and we recommend always filming in 4K unless you need slow-mo footage. Also, the camera can record uninterrupted for an impressive 2 hours and 15 minutes without overheating.
Other indispensable video features include its fully-articulating screen, live streaming capabilities, and digital e-VR image stabilization. A rotating screen is a must-have for vloggers and is ideal for capturing selfie-style content. The Z30 can live stream to YouTube, Twitch, Teams, etc. And the stabilization reduces camera shake and improves video quality.
Keep Reading: The 5 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners
Best Lenses for the Nikon Z30
Here’s a quick list of some of the best Nikon Z30 lenses. They are listed by price in ascending order.
- Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z30
Thanks to its superb combination of size, price, and performance, the Nikon Z30 is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after vlogging cameras today. However, it’s not the only great option out there. To compare it with some of its top competitors, check out the list below of more of the best vlogging cameras in 2023 available at MPB:
- Sony ZV-E10
- Sony Alpha a6600
- Fujifilm X-S10
- Canon EOS R10
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
- GoPro HERO 10 Black
