Nikon Z 30

Nikon's most affordable APS-C mirrorless model to date, the Nikon Z 30, is pitched for the YouTube generation. Will it satisfy self-shooters? Tim Coleman finds out

- Tim Coleman

Cameras with a vlogging twist are nothing new, and the new Nikon Z 30steps into the beginner-level ring pitted against the likes of the Sony ZV-E10 and the Panasonic G100. Let's not forget that most vloggers don't even bother buying a camera and use smartphones instead. To that crowd, the Z 30 promises better quality and creative versatility.

This is also the third Nikon mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor, after the Nikon Z 50 and Nikon Z fc. These three cameras have much in common, utilizing the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor and 4K 30p video-recording capability. All are capable of vlogging, so just what makes the Z 30 the vlogging camera?

Well, it's not the vlogging accessory kit that is available, which includes a microphone windshield, mini tripod, and Bluetooth remote control, along with the camera body and 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens. This kit works just fine with the Z 50 and Z fc too. No, we're talking physical differences, so let's unpack the Z 30's take on design and refresh on its performance and image quality capabilities.

Features

Most cameras these days shoot 4K video, but dig a little deeper and what's on offer does vary. For example, the Z 30's 4K 30p and HD 120p slow motion video is taken from the full width of the sensor, meaning there is no crop. Most other competing cameras incur a crop in 4K video.

A video without crop is especially handy for wide-angle shooters such as vloggers, who can use the full field of view of the lens. This is also helpful regarding the Z 30 because the widest native DX lens in Nikon's line-up is the 16-50mm zoom which, although decent, is not ultra-wide, with its 24-75mm equivalent focal length.