Z30vs Z5
VS
Which should you buy?
Travel & Everyday Video — Z30 (2022): Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Who should buy what
Z30 (2022)
- 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
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z30 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z30 (2022) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £479 | £999 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 405g body only | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z30 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
More comparisons with Z30
Camera family history