Upgrade Guide
Nikon Z5 II→Nikon Z30
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The Z30 offers little measurable spec improvement over the Z5 II. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution21MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | Z30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -2.0 | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Travel | +2.0 | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Family & Everyday | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Z5 II | Z30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £479 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 21MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | None (no IBIS) | |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 11fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 700g body only | 405g body only | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | None | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Nikon Z-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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