Z30vs Sony FX30
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.
Video Creators & Filmmakers — Sony FX30 (2022): The Cinema Line entry point — S-Cinetone colour science, 4K/120p, and XLR audio in a compact, affordable body that punches far above its 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
Sony FX30 (2022)
- Filmmakers and video creators who want a dedicated cinema-style APS-C body
- Content creators who need S-Cinetone and S-Log3 in a compact form factor
- A6700 owners who want cinema-style ergonomics and a full-size HDMI port
- Video professionals who want Sony's colour science without full-frame pricing
Quick take: The sony fx30 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the z30 is the most affordable; only the sony fx30 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z30 (2022) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £479 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 26.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 405g body only | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z30 | Sony FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Documentary | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — |
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