Z5vs Sony FX30
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible 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 (2020)
- 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
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 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 26.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Sony FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Documentary | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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Camera family history