Z 30

The Z30 is not what it first appears.The camera is aimed at vloggers and entry level photo enthusiasts but, it is SO much more than that under the hood.What you don't realize until you actually get the camera is the firmware and menu systems are the same as their bigger Z6-7-8 brothers with all the incredible creative options like D-Lighting dynamic range booster, completely different user settings for both photo and video use, sensor stacking options, focus tracking, 3 different user custom modes, and SO much more.But the real power of this little camera is the Pictures Profile Feature. The ability to use, load, and save custom picture profiles make this quiet little unassuming camera a real professional workhorse. You can start with the onboard profiles and use them in incremental amounts to get just the right vibe and save the results. Or, you can combine the power of Nikon's free Picture Control Utility with this guy and you can literally create your own custom profiles for just about any shooting scenario.It's the most underrated feature of this camera I believe and it vastly expands the creative potential far beyond any of the other manufactures, especially in this price category. And the build quality, compared to the other offerings in this category, is fantastic. Rugged where it has to be and light weight where it needs to be with the best grip of all the entry level cameras by far.The Z30 has become the perfect B-cam to our workhorse Z6II here at work and the APSC sized sensor is surprising good at resolving detail in lower light. Like shockingly good. Our biggest concern was matching the Z6II footage and we were very happy to discover just how good this little video powerhouse really is at that. With the darker kit lenses, you give up some auto focus speed in very low light, but that's to be expected.My only con is that Nikon currently has so few APSC lens in their lineup. We really need faster Z series primes and zooms to choose from. Especially compact ones so we can keep the overall size down to a minimum.Overall exceptional value for what Nikon is giving you here.

So far I have no complaints, but I am still working my way through it. I am about to start to see how well it attaches to my computer, mixing with my recording software.

I've been using the Nikon z30 since November of 2022 for content production. With this camera, I have been able to successfully turn content production into a full time career. It is simple to use, has wonderful camera and audio quality and the flip screen is what makes it all too perfect for solo content. My only complaint would be the battery quality that drains quickly. Obviously, my batteries are a little older and thus need replacing but about 6 month after beginning use of this z30, I had to buy two additional batteries. In 4k mode, the camera overheats after 30 minutes of use so plan properly for longer content at 4k quality.

Coming from someone who used the Zfc heavily, the Z30 is such a refreshing change in a sense that the grip feels nice in the hands, and more lighter and convenient when it comes to shooting videos in a stressful/fast-paced job! I highly recommend.

Mine is a bit unusual for a Z30 review. I love street photography and a light, small camera is perfect for the stills I take on the street. I already own the super excellent Nikon Z8 but it is a bit large and the Z lenses for it are also large. My Z30, with its small 16-50 zoom or 24mm prime lenses, is less than half the size and weight of my Z8. The iPhone that is always with me has made me a fan of composing on a screen rather than a viewfinder, so the Z30 works well for me. Its adjustable screen brightness and excellent autofocus make it a quick and light workhourse for my street photos.

Basic functions, amazing results. All the bells and whistles removed so the power of the world thru the lens is out of this world.

Mine is a bit unusual for a Z30 review. I love street photography and a light, small camera is perfect for the stills I take on the street. I already own the super excellent Nikon Z8 but it is a bit large and the Z lenses for it are also large. My Z30, with its small 16-50 zoom or 24mm prime lenses, is less than half the size and weight of my Z8. The iPhone that is always with me has made me a fan of composing on a screen rather than a viewfinder, so the Z30 works well for me. Its adjustable screen brightness and excellent autofocus make it a quick and light workhourse for my street photos.

Basic functions, amazing results. All the bells and whistles removed so the power of the world thru the lens is out of this world.

Nearly a year and a half later, a bit of school, a lot of online research, and a pile of parts later. This thing is rigged out to get some of the best videos I could have asked for. While heat can be an issue, lens options are thin for the relative cost of the camera body, and features on comparable cameras may be lacking. This camera will help you get better at film and photo.