The Nikon Z30 is a 20MP APS-C mirrorless camera designed for vloggers and content creators. It presents a lot of elements familiar from Nikon’s existing ‘DX’ models but with a little more focus on self-shot stills and video.

Key Specifications

• Weight of only 1160G without tripod collar and 1245g with tripod collar
• 104mm wide and 234.5 mm long
• 96mm front filter
• Compatible with both Nikon Z 1.4 and 2.0x teleconverters
• 5x axis 5.5 stops of VR (extends to 6.0 stops on the Z 9)

Z30 Video Performance

Specifically designed for video content creators, the Z30’s video capabilities are impressive, considering the intended uses for the camera, namely online sharing and livestreaming. UHD 4K recording at up to 30p is the top spec recording format, along with Full HD at 120p for slow-motion playback. The recording limit is more than 2 hours for those situations where a long continuous take is required, such as when recording performances or events. If using the camera as a webcam, then FHD at up to 60p is possible, or 4K at 30p, and constant power delivery is available through the USB Type-C port.

Image Quality

Similar to Nikon’s other DX-format mirrorless bodies, the Z30 sports a 20.8MP sensor. This suits 4K video recording, as well as benefiting any day-to-day photo needs – including shooting your promo shots, thumbnails, or even for photographing fast-moving action at up to 11 fps. The sensor and image processing also enable useful low-light performance, with sensitivity up to ISO 25600 for video, or up to ISO 51200 for stills, and digital image stabilization, e-VR, also permits recording in low light by stabilizing any wobbly footage. Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that the Z30 can record time-lapse sequences with in-camera processing and there is a series of in-camera effects and filters for producing ready-to-share footage straight from the camera.

Autofocus and Subject Detection

A key addition to Nikon’s mirrorless lineup, the Z30 inherits many of the AF capabilities of its big brothers, most importantly the eye and face detection that automatically recognize people, dogs, and cats, locks onto them, and then tracks the subject around the scene. For vlogging situations when you’re highlighting a product, there is also Auto Area AF that quickly and naturally shifts focus for close-up shots in the middle of recording.

Vlogging Design

As mentioned above, some of the real standout features of the Z30 relate to its design and how it has been specifically updated to match the needs of a vlogger. The body is compact and weighs just over 12 oz, meaning the camera can travel with you all day, every day, and it features a rear 3.0″ 10.4m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD that closes against the body to protect against fingerprints or scratches. This vari-angle design also means that front-facing selfie shooting is natural and a series of selfie controls, like AF position, exposure, and self-timer settings, can also be managed from the touchscreen. There is also a red tally lamp on the front of the camera, so you’ll always know when it’s recording.

Audio

Another key ingredient to a successful video is good audio, and the Z30 is aware of this with the inclusion of a built-in stereo mic on the top of the camera, along with support for optional 3.5mm-connected external microphones. The top mic is also compatible with the dedicated Wind Muff to cut down on unwanted wind noise.

Among other physical details, the Z30 is also meant to be easy and intuitive to operate. You can customize the i menu to make the settings you need accessible at the touch of a button. There’s also an Auto Mode if you prefer to let the camera make the decisions for you. To get familiar with all the functions/ features, there’s a ? button that provides a short explanations of each setting.

Lastly, as a connected camera, the Z30’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity pairs with the Snapbridge app. Available for mobile devices the app transfers footage and photos to your phone directly. It can also be used for remotely controlling the camera. For saving files in camera, the Z30 has a single SD card slot.

Pricing & Availability

The Z30 with the 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR lens is now available for pre-order for $1,699 NZD.