Z5 IIvs Sony FX30
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
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
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
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 z5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 26.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | Sony FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | ||
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Documentary | — |
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