Decision tools · Compare
Z30 vs Z5
Quick take: The Z5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the Z30 is the most affordable; only the Z5 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.
Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: 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)
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
Z5 (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Z30Nikon · 2022 | Z5Nikon · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £629Best | £1,249 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 24.3MPBest |
| 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 | No stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 11fpsBest | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 405g (body only)Best | 590g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | No viewfinder | 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 |
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
Z30
Z5
Portrait
6.3/10
7.7/10
Street
6.5/10
6.1/10
Travel
6.0/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
4.8/10
7.3/10
Vlogging & Video
6.6/10
—
Filmmaking
5.0/10
6.1/10
Documentary
5.4/10
6.7/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
6.4/10
Landscape
4.9/10
6.1/10
Wildlife
6.1/10
6.8/10
Casual
7.3/10
5.2/10
Food
6.8/10
6.6/10
Macro
6.0/10
6.4/10
Architecture
5.3/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
5.4/10
6.4/10
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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