Z30vs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — 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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The z30 has the highest resolution at 21mp; the z30 is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z30 (2022) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £479 | £600 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 405g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z30 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Landscape | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history