Decision tools · Compare
D90 vs Z30
Quick take: The Z30 has the highest resolution at 21MP; the D90 is the most affordable.
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 | D90Nikon · 2008 | Z30Nikon · 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £25Best | £629 |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.3MP | 20.9MPBest |
| Video | 720p/24 | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA)Best | ~300 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g (with battery) | 405g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 132 × 103 × 77mm | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x | No viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, MC-DC2 remote | 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
D90
Z30
Portrait
5.2/10
6.3/10
Street
5.0/10
6.5/10
Travel
4.5/10
5.8/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
4.8/10
Documentary
3.3/10
5.4/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
5.6/10
Landscape
3.7/10
4.9/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
6.1/10
Casual
3.0/10
7.3/10
Food
3.6/10
6.8/10
Macro
3.3/10
6.0/10
Architecture
3.8/10
5.3/10
Astrophotography
5.0/10
5.4/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.3/10
Filmmaking
—
5.0/10
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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