Approaching The Scene 226: Nikon Z30 Review (Pros & Cons)

[@rofferdal]

Very nice video. About the lack of metering when flipping the screen to “selfie” position, this can be fixed by turning off “Self portrait mode” in the SETUP MENU. Then you get the same possibilities for metering in “selfie” orientation. I am a hobby photographer, and to me, the lack of a viewfinder is a trade off, but I still think Z30 is quite usable for photography. The compact format without the viewfinder makes it smaller, and therefore more suitable as a travel/holiday camera. The APS-C sensor enables the use of affordable lenses, so again, as a hobbyist, this is a nice camera. I think the Z30 most of all is a jack of all trades, master of none, type of camera, which suits me fine. My photography hobby was asleep, and I used to snap and film with my mobile phone, but was never quite satisfied with colors, the capabilities of the lenses nor the level of control that a system camera has. The Z30 has sparked the interest once again.

[@blindphotographer7636]

I need to pause the video and inform you can change the flip screen read out. Go to Settings Menu and turn off "Self-Portrait Mode." Then you can hit the Display button to view the Histogram or level settings. Had to dig for it, but it works. Great video as always! edit: I just saw the update mentioning this in the Description 😅

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

Every review I’ve seen makes this same mistake with the display options.

[@petersuvara]

Oh wow!!! Yes, finally.

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

Thank you for this video. I have the Nikkor 16-50mm and the 50-250mm kit lenses and use them with my Z30, and I am not disappointed with the result until now (they are better than I expected). I use the FTZ II to shoot with FX lenses (Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART, Tamron 150-600mm, and the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 G). I also have a D610 and a D500. The Z30 works fine with all of them, and I don't regret buying it because the quality of the RAW files is very good. Considering how many times I shoot from the hip, close to the ground, or above my head, having or not having an EVF really doesn't make much difference to me. That being said, it is not a camera for people that need to work in a fast paced environment.

[@berthaduniverse]

Thanks for the review. To me, (and especially my wife) we hike/backpack, and weight is critical. The Z30 is about half the weight of the Z50. Also, least we forget, the DL series Nikon dumped, this fits that line fairly well. Lastly, if the PnS market is going away for Nikon, this seems like a reasonable alternative to the old small Coolpix. I wish it had a pop-up flash...

[@BernardTagholm]

Great timing I just received my Z30. Bought it with the Z 18-140 lens. Plan to use it as a travel camera to replace my Lumix ZS100 which has been my walk around travel camera for the past 5 years. The Z30 is slightly larger, but the larger APS sensor, the. ability to change lens and the fully articulated screen should give me more versatility in a light weight package. Will definitely check out your set up video. Thanks for the overview.

[@TheWillRogers]

I'm pretty firm on the Z50 being one of if not the best light weight adventure cameras on the market when you consider price. You gotta get creative with your lens choice in the rain, but the size, weight and functionality of the Z DX cameras is increadible. Z50 with a 24-70/120/200 would make a great winter touring kit. Or, I guess the 50-250mm if you can keep moisture out. They might not have log profiles, but they have good video. If I did any event recording I would really look at the Z30.

[@Searchingk9]

Hell yes

[@pikles2608]

Hi Hudson, got back into photography 3 or 4 months ago and wanted to update my D5000 to mirrorless but only had a limited budget so I researched and got the Z30 with the small kit lens and a FTZII to use my F lenses, I love this camera and use it for stills mainly, also got the 50-250 for Christmas thank you for the review I feel this is under rated by a lot of reviewers, Cheers Pikles

[@Dkaeyy]

Considering purchasing this for my content. This was very much needed!

[@r1berto1]

Same here, I sometimes automatically look for a viewfinder. It still is a great camera, you just have to use it a bit different. It is now my alternate everyday carry. YES, the sun will over-power (out-shine) it's back screen most of the time.

[@timfuchs1927]

I have 2 Z30's for video shooting. Love it and quality is phenomenal. The 2 hour record is my favorite. No viewfinder for photography is the downside to me. But I'm buying a 3rd one for my podcast

[@douradoandre]

Are you getting 2 hour in 4k? I would love to buy 2 for video podcast but Nikon says it only record 30 minutes in 4k

[@timfuchs1927]

@douradoandre ive done an hour plus. If its warm outside they will overheat easily. I typically shoot my podcast in 1080 unless i need the resolution for something. For 4k though i just use my Z9.

[@douradoandre]

@@timfuchs1927 thank you Tim. I hope they fix it with firmware.

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

@@timfuchs19271. How is the 1080p video quality 2 .what fps do u record 30fps 60fps r 100fps 3. do u get 2 hours battery time while recording in 1080p if not how much 4. How much time to charge the battery 5. Any heating issues while recording in 1080p Pls say. Im thinking to buy it over sony zv e10 as Sony 1080p quality is not sharp n not touch lcd screen .

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

@@timfuchs1927 pls ans. Thanks 🙏🙏

[@mark.mahorney]

Just got this camera with the two lenses and added a F1.4 24mm i think it is for low light and blurred backgrounds. I'm an artist that does promotional vid and takes pics to use planning my art. Idon't need professional still shots, pretty good is fine. I do a lot of time lapse and wanted the ability to adjust the composition and distance, which with phone and action camera is only moving the tripod or cropping after. So I think this camera still be very versatile for me. What i don't like most of all for content creation is still how clunky the Nikon software, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are. Compared to cell phones it's a real throwback, feels like i need to know c++and dos command line to use. They also don't really focus on live streaming, it can be setup as a webcam, but again it's not an intuitive feature. Those are things that cell phones make very easy. Reminds of back when sharing was a thing in cell phones but wasn't yet on PC's and you had to cut and paste everything.

[@robertstonephoto]

Was thinking of the Z30 as a casual walk around camera, but with the Z 14-30 f/4 Z lens use on my FF Z cameras.

[@Willymaze]

It's not out of whack, looks a little bit but honestly the camera is so tiny that every Z prime looks big, not heavy or unbalanced though. Remember that Nikon will release a 12-28 DX for this camera, which I'm hopeful to get on release.

[@skyrunr]

I run the 14-30F4S and before that the 24-70F4S on the Z50. I get my Z30 on Friday. The IQ and faster focusing are worth the bulk. I have an FX body with the 24-120F4S so I let the 24-70F4S go to fund the 14-30F4S which made more sense. I also have a MegadapV2 to mount Sony primes on it. The 15f1.4G is great, but needs lens manual correction in LR.

[@skyrunr]

We're so in sync! I get mine on Friday to swap out my Z50. I wanted it for Wide (L People), U3, 1/3 grid, the flippy screen, and not to mention USB-C! I will miss the flash and EVF. I'd actually prefer a rangefinder without an LCD or even a detachable/optional one. I'm going to try a collapsible lcd cover or LCD scope. I was really hoping the Z50 would get a minor firmware update. What appeals to me as a 2nd camera is how much easier it is to store the 2nd camera in a bag without the viewfinder. Which I also have a JJC eye-piece on. You can get an LCD hood for the screen for bright sun shooting, or even a scope. I haven't seen one with a diopter yet though. ;) The creator's video kit is only $47 as a bundle.

[@skyrunr]

I think the LCD touch comes back flipped forward with self-portrait mode disabled. I can't believe they put the USB-C port in front of the monitor. It isn't like a 90 degree elbow would help either. I hope we see a 30mp Z500/Z70 APS-C with IBIS, EN-EL15 batteries, and Expeed7 someday. Great review.

[@jaydigshistory36]

Hudson, I know I’m behind the times on this, but does the z30 have a firmware update that changes the screen issues? You’re the third video I’ve seen about the audio and screen issues when in selfie vlogging.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Look at the first line in the written video description. I highlight the fix for the self portrait screen mode. ;-)

[@jaydigshistory36]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks! I started using it for my KZbin. I like it, and it’s not as cumbersome as I thought it would it may be.

[@amermeleitor]

Is $485usd (taxes included) a fair price for a Z30 body only?

[@Vendetta725]

I'm using a 90 degree angled USB-C cable. Still in front of the LCD display, of course, but not as intrusive as regular straight plug charging cables.

[@nomanCyclewala]

i was gonna type in the same thing that L shaped cable can help with this issue.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Great review thanks for posting!! I have a Z5 and now a Z30. The Z5 has evf and is quite a bit heavier which I use for some pro work along with my D780. With the Z30 I also have the 18-140mm which is about 28mm to 210mm equivalent or 7.5X zoom, which makes for a long enough zoom for travel. I also have the Z DX kit lens. For walkaround with decent quality the Z30 is a great camera and I also think better than the Sony ZV-E10 which has a poorer touch screen, the Z30 touchscreen is great, plus all the vlogging ability of this camera. I don't miss the viewfinder. I have my other cameras for that. I would recommend the Z30 to my friends. I agree the video features are one of its hightlights with a no limit of video duration and C charging even while in use good for vlogging or content creators.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I would up keeping one for the studio myself. ;) I just did a video a lie if weeks ago on my favorite dx lenses a couple of weeks ago if you look. :)

[@R2X2Z]

Love my Z9 but what think was missing was the flip out screen. NIkon kind of solved that for me when they released the Z30. The Z30 is a nice mini video/photo camera to use for days don't need to bring the big guns.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I can't stand the lack of viewfinder on the 30... It leaves you with a screen that's half the size and quality of my Pixel phone to work with. :-(

[@barryobrien1890]

Happy Thanksgiving Hudson. Hope you get over your cold soon. Nice review. I have been thinking of a z30 for a webcam as it's one of the least expensive nice cameras out there. You can use a rubber clip-on eyepiece for the back screen which magnifies 2x and fixes shooting in bright sun. Not as good as a viewfinder but it collapses and fits in a tiny pocket. They also have dummy batteries for the enel25, that fixes the battery issue on z50/30. Thanks for the review

[@danpsharpe]

Great review. I can tell it doesn't suite your needs, but as someone who is just getting into video, it is a perfect start for me. Now I am waiting on that Viltrox lens to ship from China!

[@valerio_c]

What happened with the background using the viltrox? Strange movements at 20:50.. why?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Tiny bit of rolling shutter from me my holding it steadier. :)

[@fishon7755]

am a novice in the world of photography, I have a Nikon D7200, I have been looking for a little more compact mirror less camera but don’t want to lose all of the quality in photo taking. Would you recommend this z30 to me? I mainly shoot nature, wildlife and road trips.

[@JerryMcCready]

Any chance we could get your thoughts on this lens Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Lens. This lens is for the Z50 and Z30. Thank-You!

[@markshirley01]

Would have really liked the Z9 screen on the back - plus gyro stabalisation. Ive got a feeling Sonys next cameras are going to be a A6000 or A7C and I'm betting they have the new tilt/swivel screen.

[@ELTAOWAM]

Hi.. which camera you used from front the main one ❤

[@pankajmandal522]

Which is overall better in between z30 and Sony zve10

[@Shanedmc2]

Z30 is better is better for Vlog Zv-e10 is better for talking head

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Shane. I haven't tried a Zv-e10 to know.

[@cetriongaming2166]

Zve10

[@amermeleitor]

It has far better build and ergonomics than the Sony APSC line. I'm thinking about go with Nikon... But it's pricier overall

[@johnsm5261]

is viltrox 20mm can fit to nikon z30?

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

6:09 HH talks about needing his glasses to see the screen as the camera...hunts for focus. 😂 Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Edit to add: those Rode wireless go ii mics are fantastic!

[@KennethGreenCMP]

There is a whole generation that are used yo shooting via touch screen. The camera is intended for someone that's upgrading from a cell phone.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The problem is that my cellphone has twice the size and quality of screen...