Let’s compare the Nikon Z30 and Z50 to see if their age difference significantly impacts them. Although the Z50 is three years older （which starts at $ 795.92）than the Z30 (price is $606.95), it’s important to consider that camera technology can evolve rapidly. Newer models may incorporate advancements and improvements.
That’s just a brief overview of some of the main differences between the Nikon Z30 and the Nikon Z50. You can dig into the more granular differences in the chart below, where we’ve rounded up all the relevant specs.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z30 Specs TableDetailed comparison of specifications
| Sensor | Nikon Z50 | Nikon Z30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7 mm | 23.5 x 15.7 mm |
| Area | 368.95mm2 | 368.95mm2 |
| Megapixels | 20.9MP APS-C (DX) | 20.9MP APS-C (DX) |
| Max Resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 5568 x 3712 |
| Max Native Light sensitivity | 51,200 ISO | 51,200 ISO |
| Max Boosted Light Sensitivity | 204800 ISO | 204800 ISO |
| Min Native Light sensitivity | 100 ISO | 100 ISO |
| RAW Support | Yes | Yes |
| Lens | ||
|---|---|---|
| Manual Focus | ||
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Number of Available Lenses | 48 | 48 |
| Screen | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fully Articulated | Tilting |
| Size | 3.00″ | 3.20″ |
| Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,040k dots |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Photography Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
| Shutter Priority | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Exposure Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
| Flash Range | no built-in flash | 7.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| Continuous Shooting | 11.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
| Multi-Segment Metering | Yes | Yes |
| Average Metering | Yes | Yes |
| Spot Metering | Yes | Yes |
| Partial Metering | Yes | Yes |
| AF-Area Metering | Yes | Yes |
| Center Weighted Metering | Yes | Yes |
| AE Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| WB Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Video Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Port | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Connectivity | Built-In | Built-In |
| HDMI | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 450g | 405g |
| Dimensions | 128 x 74 x 60mm | 127 x 94 x 60mm |
| Battery Life | 330 shots | 320 shots |
Reasons to choose Nikon Z30 over Nikon Z50
| Video Record Limit | Unlimited vs Limited | Record clips longer |
| Battery Life | 330 shots vs320 shots | 10 more frames |
| Focus Bracketing | Yes vs No | Take multiple photos shifting focus point |
| USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | Faster Data transfer from the camera |
| Weight | 405g vs 450g | More lightweight |
| Video | Great vs Faire | better video modes |
| Recording times | Up to 125 minutes vs 30 minutes | Longer recording time |
| Wind-noise reduction function | Great vs fair | Better performance |
At first glance, there are some minor differences between the Nikon Z50 and the Nikon Z30. One such difference is in their battery life. The Nikon Z30 is capable of supporting around 330 shots for a single charge, whereas the Nikon Z50 can handle around 320 shots per charge. This means that the Z30 has a slightly longer battery life, which can be beneficial for extended outdoor photography sessions. It’s always a good idea to have an extra battery on hand when taking pictures outside. In terms of the recording, the Z50 has a 30-minute recording limit per clip, whereas the Z30 doesn’t have any recording cap. The Z30 offers improved sound quality with its built-in stereo microphone and the option to attach an external microphone. Additionally, it includes an onboard wind-noise reduction function. Speaking of the USB version, the Nikon Z30 comes with USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) over USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) from the Nikon Z50, which could ensure faster Data transfer.
Another difference between the two models is the Z30’s new Video AF mode, which utilizes full-time autofocus during recording. This feature is ideal for capturing action or shooting first-person vlogs while on the move. The native sensitivity range for still photos on both the Nikon Z50 and Nikon Z30 is ISO 100 to 51,200, which can be expanded up to ISO 204,800. For video recording, the ISO range is 100 to 25,600. This wide ISO range allows users to capture images and videos in various lighting conditions, from bright to low-light environments.
In terms of electronic vibration reduction, both the Nikon Z50 and Nikon Z30 have this feature, which helps to stabilize footage and keep it steady.
Reasons to choose Nikon Z50 over Nikon Z30
| Built-in Flash | Yes vs No | Excellent in low-light |
| Viewfinder | Electronic vs None | Good framing and control |
| LCD Screen Size | 3.2 vs 3″ | 0.2 inches larger display |
The Nikon Z50 and the Nikon Z30 have many similar features, but one difference is that the Nikon Z50 comes with a larger LCD screen size compared to the Nikon Z30.
Common Strengths of Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50
| Wireless Connection | Yes vs Yes | Better connectivity |
| Bluetooth Connection | Yes vs Yes | Could connect to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Adjustable LCD Screen | Fully Articulated vs Tilting | Flexible shooting positions |
| External Flash Shoe | Yes vs Yes | Well-suited for flash photography |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
| RAW Support | Yes vs Yes | Excellent image quality |
| Face Detection Focus | Yes vs Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Max Resolution | 20.9MP APS-C (DX) vs 20.9MP APS-C (DX) | Bigger prints and more details |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 1.040k dots vs 1.040k dots | High-resolution screens |
| Max Continuous Shooting | 11.0fps vs 11.0fps | Fast shooting speeds |
| Microphone Port | Yes vs Yes | High-quality audio recording option |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes vs Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs Yes | Creative shooting |
| AE Bracketing | Yes vs Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD | Yes vs Yes | Rotate LCD for taking Selfies |
| Smartphone Remote | Yes vs Yes | Remote control your camera with a smartphone |
| UHS Card Support | UHS-I vs UHS-I | Read/Write with High Speeds |
| Webcam Function | Yes vs Yes | Use your camera as a Webcam |
| Eye Tracking Focus | Yes vs Yes | The Autofocus system locks on the eye and tracks the subject easily |
Both cameras come with the same sensor (20.9MP APS-C (DX), which could allow users to capture high-resolution images with fine details and good dynamic range. They also share the They also share the same EXPEED 6 processor, ensuring high-quality videos and images. The continuous shooting capabilities of both the Nikon Z50 and the Nikon Z30 are 11 frames per second (fps). This high-speed continuous shooting allows photographers to capture fast-moving subjects with ease. These two cameras don’t come with in-body stabilisation and some users may feel disappointed. But you could purchase a camera gimbal to stabilize your videos.
What types of Photography are Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z50 Good for?
Wedding photography
Nikon Z30
20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
4K UHD video recording at 30p
Autofocus system with 209 phase-detection AF pixels
11fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking
No in-body stabilization
Nikon Z50
Comfortable grip
Excellent noise reduction at high ISOs
Simpler menus and dials
11fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking
Weather sealing
No in-body stabilization
Landscape Photography and Bird Photography
Nikon Z30
20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
4K UHD video recording at 30p
Autofocus system with 209 phase-detection AF pixels
11fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking
No in-body stabilization
No viewfinder
Nikon Z50
20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
Instant and accurate focus
Autofocus system with 209 phase-detection AF pixels
11fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking
No in-body stabilization
No viewfinder
Night photography
Nikon Z30
20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
4K UHD video recording at 30p
Autofocus system with 209 phase-detection AF pixels
Wider ISO range
An intervalometer and timelapse modes built-in
No in-body stabilization
No viewfinder
Nikon Z50
20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor
4K UHD video recording at 30p
Autofocus system with 209 phase-detection AF pixels
Wider ISO range
An intervalometer and timelapse modes built-in
No in-body stabilization
No viewfinder
Lens Selection
1
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
Nikon
2
Nikon Z 24-70mm F4 S
Nikon
3
Sigma 56mm F1.4 C
Sigma
4
Sigma 30mm F1.4 C
Sigma
5
Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S
Nikon
Buy Now
1
Nikon Z30
Nikon
2
Nikon Z50
Nikon
