Decision tools · Compare
Z30 vs PEN
Quick take: The Z30 has the highest resolution at 21MP; the Z30 is the most affordable; only the PEN is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·16 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 | Z30Nikon · 2022 | PENOM System · 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699Best | £849 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 20.4MP Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MPBest | 20.4MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 4K/C4K, OM-Log400, vertical video support |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-hybrid AF (121 points) with subject detection (people, cats, dogs) |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | 30fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 405g (body only) | 393g (with battery and card)Best |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | — |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | No viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | Tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD (UHS-I) |
| 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
PEN
Portrait
6.3/10
7.0/10
Street
6.5/10
7.8/10
Travel
6.0/10
7.4/10
Wedding & Events
4.8/10
6.3/10
Vlogging & Video
6.5/10
6.7/10
Filmmaking
5.0/10
5.2/10
Documentary
5.4/10
7.0/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
7.7/10
Landscape
4.9/10
6.1/10
Wildlife
6.1/10
8.1/10
Casual
7.2/10
6.3/10
Food
6.8/10
6.9/10
Macro
6.0/10
6.8/10
Architecture
5.3/10
6.1/10
Astrophotography
5.4/10
5.9/10
Fun & simple
—
4.7/10
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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