Nikon Z30 system camera

Nikon Z30 - A fledgling content producer's first step towards better quality images

With content creators in mind, the Nikon Z30 is designed to produce versatile, high-quality video content at an affordable price. In addition, Nikon is marketing the camera to beat the image quality offered by a smartphone, which it undoubtedly does. With the new possibilities that the system camera brings, you're sure to be able to realise all your content creation ideas. The camera is ideal for vlogging, reviewing, unboxing, cooking, tutorials, music, make-up or travel photography.

One of the most important features of the Nikon Z30 is of course its video recording capabilities, and for the price, it doesn't leave much to be desired. Video is captured using a full 20.9 megapixel CMOS sensor, so the image quality certainly beats that of mobile devices. Video can be captured at up to 4k resolution at 30 fps. In addition, the Full HD 120 fps resolution mode allows for stunning slow motion clips. Another important feature for content producers is the extended video recording limit. When shooting a long video clip, such as a cooking video, it's useful not to have to reset the camera recording every half hour. Fortunately, the Z30 offers as much as 125 minutes of continuous video recording, which is good enough in most cases.

In content production, sound is at least as important, if not more important, than images. The Nikon Z30 already has a reasonably good stereo microphone. In the camera's menu, you can even choose whether the microphone is primarily focused on recording the voice of the photographer or the ambient sound. However, those who are serious about content production will often purchase an external microphone for their camera, which usually improves the sound quality considerably. The Z30 therefore of course includes a microphone jack and a flash shoe for a separate microphone.

One of the most important features of a camera suitable for content production is undoubtedly the rotating screen. When it comes to the screen, the Z30 doesn't disappoint either, offering a 3-inch screen that swivels in all directions. This means that shooting from different angles and vlogging is not a problem.

Often in compact cameras like the Nikon Z30, ergonomics are not very well thought out and the camera can feel a little awkward to handle. The Z30 takes this into account, as Nikon's designers have placed a sturdy grip on such a small camera that fits your hand like a glove. And the camera's menus and shortcuts are clearly positioned in sensible places. The camera's Fn buttons, U mode dials and i menu can also be fully customised.

When it comes to focusing, relying on the Z30's automation is more than advisable. In content production, it's often worth focusing on the content itself first, so it's a relief to be able to rely on the camera's automation for focus. When shooting video, the continuous autofocus can lock on to subjects quickly. The camera recognises human faces and most animals, automatically moving the focus point to the subject's eye. Even if the subject turns away from the camera for a moment, the focus remains in the eye.

In addition to videos, a content producer also needs to take photos for social media or video thumbnails. Although the camera is primarily focused on video, Nikon hasn't forgotten about photography. With a 20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor and a maximum shutter speed of 11fps, you're sure to get Instagram-worthy photos.

When a sudden situation arises, and you need to get content online immediately, Nikon's SnapBridge mobile app and Z30 wireless file transfer to help. The app makes it surprisingly fast to transfer 4k videos and photos from camera to smartphone. The app can also be used to control the camera remotely.

The Nikon Z30 has a USB-C port that can be used for file transfer and camera charging. Perhaps the best feature, however, is that by connecting the camera to your computer with the included USB-C cable, you can stream images to social media platforms in no time at all. At the same time, the camera's battery is also recharged. To stream, you'll need a Nikon Webcam Utility -software.

Naturally, the Nikon Z30 can be used with all Nikkor Z lenses and FTZ-adapter also for all older Nikon cameras F lenses. With these lens options, the Z30 can be adapted to almost any shooting situation.

Main features

• An affordable but versatile option for all content providers
• Video up to 4k 30 fps and slow motion FHD 120 fps
• 20.9 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Fast autofocus that recognises people and animals
• Large, omnidirectional touch screen
• Ergonomic body and customisable buttons
• 11 fps continuous shooting
• Wireless file transfer to your smartphone
• Compatible with all Nikon Z lenses

Technical specifications

• Bayonet: Nikon Z
• Sensor: DX, CMOS, 23.5 x 15.7mm (APS-C)
• Effective pixels: 20.9 million (20.9 Mpx)
• Photo capture formats: NEF (RAW), JPG or NEF (RAW) + JPG
• Memory card slots: 1x SD card
• Compatible memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
• Shutter type: mechanical shutter, electronic front shutter and electronic shutter
• Shutter speed: 30 - 1/4000 s
• Maximum flash speed: 1/200 s
• Capture modes: single shot (S), slow burst (CL), fast burst (CH), burst (H) and self-timer
• Frame rate: up to 11 frames/s
• Exposure compensation range: -5...+5 EV (1/3 step interval)
• ISO sensitivity range: 100-51 200 (photography) and 100-25 600 (video)
• Autofocus: Hybrid phase detection/contrast detection autofocus
• Focus modes: single focus (AF-S), continuous focus (AF-C), AF mode autofocus (AF-A, available in photo mode only), full-time autofocus (AF-F, available in video mode only); predictive focus tracking; manual focus (M): electronic rangefinder can be used
• Number of focus points: 209
• Focus area modes: pin focus (photo mode only), point focus, dynamic focus (photo mode only), wide area (S), wide area (L), wide area (L - people), wide area (L - animals), auto area, auto area (people), auto area (animals)
• Flash modes: front curtain stop, slow stop, rear curtain stop, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction and slow stop, disabled
• Video resolutions: 3 840 x 2 160 (4K UHD): 30p (progressive) / 25p / 24p; 1 920 x 1 080: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p; 1 920 x 1 080 (slow motion): 30p (x4) / 25p (x4) / 24p (x5)
• Video file formats: MOV and MP4
• Video compression: H.264/MPEG-4
• Video audio recording format: PCM (MOV) and AAC (MP4)
• Screen size: 3″
• Number of pixels on the screen: 1.04 million
• Connections: USB Type-C (SuperSpeed USB), HDMI Type D, 3.5mm stereo jack for audio input
• Wireless connection: WiFi and Bluetooth
• Battery: EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery
• Socket thread: 1/4″
• Weight: 405 g (with battery and memory card)