Though at first look they appear fairly totally different, the Nikon Z30 and Z50 truly share a number of similarities relating to their key specs and options, a lot in order that patrons could also be questioning if the older mannequin already affords every thing that they want, and probably extra.
So we’re bringing you this in-depth Nikon Z30 vs Z50 head-to-head comparability that will help you select between these two entry-level mirrorless cameras.
It’s also possible to learn our detailed Nikon Z50 assessment to seek out out precisely what we consider that individual digicam.
Sensor
These two cameras supply precisely the identical variety of megapixels – 20.9 – as a result of they each use precisely the identical sensor
The picture sensor used within the Z30 and Z50 is a 20.9 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
Additionally they share the identical EXPEED 6 processor, so the stills and video picture high quality from each cameras must be very comparable, barring any software program tweaks that Nikon have made to the Z30’s output.
ISO Pace
The native sensitivity vary of each cameras for nonetheless images is ISO 100 to 51,200, which might be expanded to 204,800. For video the ISO vary is 100-25600.
Video
The Z30 affords a greater video mode than the Z50 and is certainly the one to purchase for those who’re predominantly a videographer.
Having stated that, each cameras supply the identical headline 4K/30p and Full HD/120p recording modes, so you will not get any higher high quality from the newer Z30.
One of many fundamental enhancements on the Z30 are for much longer recording instances – as much as 125 minutes on the Z30 versus half-hour on the Z50 – though the Z30 can truly solely file for roughly 35 minutes for 4K/30p.
Sound can be improved on the Z30, because of its built-in stereo mic and the choice to connect an exterior mic. It additionally affords an onboard wind-noise discount perform.
Each cameras supply Nikon’s digital Vibration Discount to assist preserve your footage good and regular.
On the Z30 for those who flip the tilting monitor to face forwards, the digicam immediately engages the brand new Self Portrait mode, clearing the display for an unobstructed portrait view.
Autofocus
The brand new Z30 has precisely the identical hybrid part detection and and distinction detection autofocus system with 209 AF factors because the Z50.
The principle distinction between the 2 fashions is the Z30’s new Video AF mode, which employs full-time autofocusing when recording, excellent for capturing motion or first-person vlogs whereas on the transfer.
Burst Taking pictures
Each cameras can can shoot at a good 11fps with full-time autofocus and auto-exposure utilizing the digital shutter and a extra pedestrian 5fps utilizing the mechanical shutter.
Physique and Design
The design of the physique and controls could be very comparable between the Z30 and the Z50.
Helped by the shortage of a viewfinder, the brand new Z30 is smaller and lighter than the Z50, though not by that a lot.
The exterior controls are in a lot the identical locations on each cameras.
One of many fundamental variations is the bigger than regular video-record button that’s positioned on high of the Z30 for simpler entry in each portrait and panorama orientation.
When you’ve beforehand used a Z50, you will be proper at dwelling utilizing the brand new Z30.
IBIS
Neither the Z50 or Z30 characteristic in-body picture stabilisation (IBIS), as an alternative counting on the connected lens to provide it.
You should utilize the digital vibration management characteristic on the brand new Z30 and the Z50 to assist stabilise your video footage, but it surely does add a 1.3x crop.
Viewfinder
The viewfinder is the important thing distinction between these two cameras, or quite the shortage of 1 on the Z30.
The Z50 has a 2,360k-dot digital viewfinder (EVF) that, though not notably high-resolution, is vivid and clear.
Nikon have taken the quite courageous resolution to take away the EVF totally from the video-centric Z30, with no possibility so as to add one as an adjunct both, very similar to Sony did with the ZV-E10.
LCD Display
The LCD display is without doubt one of the fundamental variations between these two cameras.
The Z50 has a 180-degree flip touch-screen that is extra suited to stills pictures, whereas the video-focused Z30 has a totally articulating, vari-angle LCD display.
You possibly can flip out the display to the aspect, rotate it forwards for simpler operation when pointing the digicam at your self, and fold it flat towards the again of the digicam to cease it from getting scratched.
This free-angle design proves to be a really versatile display for vlogging, film capturing and pictures typically.
Reminiscence Playing cards
There’s a single SD/SDHC/SDXC reminiscence card slot on each cameras, which solely helps the UHS-I commonplace, not the newer UHS-II playing cards which provide sooner learn and write speeds.
Battery Life
The Nikon Z30 makes use of precisely the identical EN-EL25 battery because the Z50, which affords a CIPA-rated battery lifetime of 300 pictures on a single cost, with real-life utilization yielding longer life.
An important distinction between the 2 cameras is that the newer Z30 might be powered and charged by way of a USB-C connection, which is beneficial for those who’re out and about and have a appropriate power-bank to plug the digicam into. The older Z50 would not supply this characteristic.
Worth
The brand new Nikon Z30 is priced at £699 / $799 within the UK and USA respectively, making it the most affordable Z-series digicam ever launched.
The Nikon Z50 was priced at £849 / $849 physique solely when it initially launched three years in the past, a worth that remarkably it nonetheless instructions immediately.
This makes the brand new Z30 fairly a bit cheaper than the Z50 on the time of writing, a lot to be able to truly purchase it with the Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR package lens for barely lower than the Z50 physique solely.
Conclusion
The Z30 is the primary Nikon mirrorless digicam that is very clearly focused at vloggers and videographers, with virtually all the key variations between the 2 fashions aimed toward making life simpler for individuals stepping up from a smartphone.
They’re very comparable when it comes to their nonetheless pictures prowess, regardless of the three 12 months hole between them, so the Z50 remains to be effectively value contemplating immediately for those who’re extra of a hybrid shooter than an out-and-out film maker.
So what do you suppose? Would you select the brand new Z30 or the older however nonetheless very succesful Z50? Go away a remark under!
