The Nikon DX camera lineup started with the Nikon Z50, a capable APS-C camera using a similar 20 megapixel sensor as the DSLR D500, ie. a tried and trusted image machine.
The Z50 was released way back in October 10th 2019, before the pandemic, and likely many Z camera users got one as a backup camera to their main full frame body.
I got my Z50 in 2020 as a backup camera to my Z6 Mk I. It has proven to be a solid choice, accompanying me on holidays and small assignments alike because of the power packed into a small body.
Fast forward 3 years, and the Z30 was released in August 5th 2022, targeted at video content creators and streamers. It was not marketed as an upgrade to the Z50, but are there enough quality of life improvements for you to replace the Z50 with the Z30?
If you are looking to get an APS-C Z camera, which is better for you?
In this comparison article, let’s try to answer these questions.
Ergonomics
Weight
The Nikon Z30 weighs 405g while the Z50 weighs 450g, the difference is likely due to the lack of a viewfinder and flash unit on the Z30. Still, I doubt most people will notice the weight difference, especially when you have larger lenses (like a Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4D!) mounted.
Both are light enough with small primes and the included kit lens.
Grip
Both cameras have similar feeling grips. My hands are about average for an Asian male, and I have no issues holding the cameras with the kit lens.
When the lens is bigger, say when I’ve adapted an F mount (especially telephoto)lens onto them, I tend to hold the lens rather than the camera anyway.
Again, little differences between the two. I would say, however, I tend to hold the flip out screen of the Z30 and the grip when using the camera with 2 hands.
Button Layout
One thing that continues to annoy me is the use of capacitative buttons on the back of the Z50 rather than physical buttons. In a warm place, there is no issue.
In a cold environment, when I am wearing gloves, this is a major hindrance when I need to change display settings like level and zooming in and out of the picture.
If you compare this to the Z30 back button layout in the picture on top, I personally prefer that, especially since most of the controls are physical and placed on the right side.
The delete button on the left is fine, when i review or delete any unwanted pictures I tend to use 2 hands anyway.
I had no issues with the top control layout on the Z50. The lever to switch between photo and video modes made a lot of sense to me, and I never had trouble reaching any of the buttons I wanted on the top.
The Z30 made some changes to the top button layout.
The video recording button has shifted down towards to the back and has become larger, a nod towards the more video centric purpose of the camera.
The removal of the “Scene” mode is a surprise since I expected this camera to be more “entry” than the Z50, but personally, I welcome the simplification since I personally never used the “Scene” mode anyway. My main modes are M, A, S, then U1 and U2 for stored settings.
Screen
Many people lambasted the screen on the Z50 for its odd movement downwards compared to a normal flip out screen.
In my own usage, unless you used a workaround where you had the Smallrig bottom plate to mount the tripod on the side, you will never be able to see yourself when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
The Z30 has a proper flip out screen where the tripod does not interfere with its usage. Content creators using the screen to check your own framing when shooting yourself will welcome this new screen for sure.
Flash
There is no flash on the Z30.
Personally, I use the flash on the Z50 for a few things.
I will use it for fill flash or to illuminate my subject at night when there is no other light source and I really just need a photo.
I also use it to control my manual flashes for casual product photography.
You’ll need a separate flash or controller for the Z30.
Video recording
For Youtubers and solo content creators in general, the Z30 has a small but useful quality of life improvement. There is now a red tally light telling you when the camera is recording. It definitely saves time since I no longer have to go around the camera to double check the screen to see if I have pressed the recording button.
Battery compartment
Both the Z30 and the Z50 have battery compartments shared with the SD card slot. This is annoying, especially with the Z50 since I sometimes use the bottom plate to solve the screen blocking issue I mentioned just now.
Both use the same small battery (EN-EL25) and charger. According to official CIPA ratings, Z30 offers 330 shots compared to the 320 shots on the Z50. The difference is minor and I feel battery life depends on your usage of the camera anyway.
Charging and ports
Improvements on charging have been made to the Z30 compared to the Z50.
While the Z50 could already be charged via the Micro USB port on the left of the camera, the Z30 can now be used as well when being charged by an external battery pack or outlet.
Another change I appreciate is that charging can be done via USB C, meaning we can now share out smartphone chargers with the camera.
One similarity is that both cameras will have a small red LED on the left to indicate that the camera is being charged when you plug in a power source.
To me, charging via USB C is a big improvement since there is one less cable/ charger for me to bring when travelling.
Image quality
I will not go into details here since both cameras use similar sensors and you will be far better served on the big camera review websites like DPReview for image quality tests.
I will say, however, both perform well enough for me during my travels and my light assignments (no dark conditions).
Pricing in Singapore
Currently, on Carousell (a platform for selling used items), both cameras are priced about the same at SG$850 for a body and kit lens set in 2023.
Officially, the Z50 should be the more expensive camera but it is also older, so you might get better deals used.
Conclusion
Which should you buy then?
If you’re buying new, unless you really need the flash or viewfinder, get the Z30.
If you’re able to find both on the used market, I would lean towards whichever camera offers greater cost savings since they both have advantages over the other, Z50 for the viewfinder and the flash, Z30 for the USB C charging and better flip-out screen or if you are looking for a particular feature.
Personally, if I can sell my Z50 and get a Z30 for the same or lower price, I’ll pull the trigger.
Leave a Reply