Decision tools · Compare
Nikon D780 vs Z30
Quick take: The Nikon D780 has the highest resolution at 25MP; the Z30 is the most affordable; only the Nikon D780 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z30 — Travel & Everyday Video: Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
Who should buy what
Z30 (2022)
is the right camera for you if…
- Vloggers and content creators who don't need an EVF
- Beginners entering the Nikon Z system at the lowest price point
- Streamers who want a compact interchangeable-lens camera for desk use
- Travel and lifestyle shooters who want a compact APS-C Z body
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Nikon D780Nikon · 2020 | Z30Nikon · 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £699Best |
| Sensor | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 25.0MPBest | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 7fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | ~300 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 840g (with battery and card) | 405g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | — | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | No viewfinder |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
Nikon D780
Z30
Portrait
6.7/10
6.3/10
Street
5.4/10
6.5/10
Travel
5.6/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
4.8/10
Filmmaking
6.2/10
5.0/10
Documentary
6.5/10
5.4/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
5.6/10
Landscape
6.2/10
4.9/10
Wildlife
6.2/10
6.1/10
Casual
4.2/10
7.2/10
Food
5.8/10
6.8/10
Macro
5.4/10
6.0/10
Architecture
5.9/10
5.3/10
Astrophotography
6.7/10
5.4/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.5/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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