X-E4vs Z30vs Z5 II
Which should you buy?
Compact Street & Travel Photography — X-E4 (2021): The X-E4 is for photographers who want the minimum camera that still delivers maximum image quality. If you love shooting from the rear screen and want the smallest possible X-mount body, this is your camera. If you need a viewfinder or IBIS, look at the X-S20 or X-T30 II.
Travel & Everyday Video — Z30 (2022): Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
X-E4 (2021)
- Street photographers who prioritise portability and discretion
- Travel photographers packing minimally
- Fujifilm fans who shoot primarily from the rear screen
- Anyone who wants the X-Trans sensor in the smallest possible body
Z30 (2022)
- You create video content and want reliable Nikon colour science in a compact body
- You don't need a viewfinder and prioritise the vari-angle flip screen
- You're starting out with interchangeable lenses for content creation on a budget
Z5 II (2024)
- You want full-frame image quality at the lowest possible entry price
- You shoot stills primarily — portrait, landscape, or travel
- You're upgrading from a DSLR and want a familiar but thoroughly modern Nikon experience
Quick take: The x-e4 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the z30 is the most affordable; only the z5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E4 (2021) | Z30 (2022) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £479 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 26.1MP | 20.9MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/240p slow-motion, F-Log | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, face/Eye detection | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None (no IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 11fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~460 shots (CIPA) | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 364g (body only) | 405g body only | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 72.9 × 32.7mm | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only (EVF accessory available) | None | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Nikon Z-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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