Nikon Z30 Initial Review

Nikon has just announced the Z30, their entry-level Z-Mount APS-C camera aimed at content creators and vloggers. Fortunately, DPReview editor and very good sport Richard Butler was able to join Chris in the beautiful town of Canmore to test the Z30's abilities.
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
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Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - Body and interface
2:55 - Ports
3:43 - Sensor
4:59 - Autofocus
5:21 - Video features
6:32 - Vlogging kit
7:43 - How does it compare
9:08 - Richard relents
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[@videojeroki]

i'm always happy to see a mirrorless crop sensor camera with a grip!

[@Tropfl]

No more perfect way to end the night than content from Chris and Jordan. Don't tell my wife.

[@jbird7782]

Ha!

[@fishbarbeque8540]

I just told her, she is crying.

[@CarletonTorpin]

It’s amazing that you keep making such fun and entertaining camera-review videos.

[@musicdefinesgravity]

internal microphones sound pretty nice actually

[@tielmaster7879]

I was surprised. Way better than my z50 lol.

[@musicdefinesgravity]

@@tielmaster7879 I have a z50 I know what u mean

[@tielmaster7879]

@@musicdefinesgravity yeah I don't really ever rely on the internal mics though. So not too much of an issue.

[@OcyTaviAh]

Love this channel. You guys are helping me figure out which beginner dual function camera to get, very much appreciated!!!

[@danieldougan269]

I understand why Nikon made this camera, but people need to realize vlogging cameras should have IBIS.

[@Wreckedandruinedand]

Yes, and especially with smaller APSC sensor inside that extra large Z-mount... How can you not add IBIS? Its their third APSC camera with no IBIS

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Might be hard for buyers to choose their pricier APSC lineup. Panasonic G100 also fall into this dilemma.

[@yoginwidhi6676]

@@Durio_zibethinus panasonic g100 is the most thrash cam ever, its a shame for a cam from the brand with the greatest IBIS from all brand to be born with no IBIS at all. Idk why they put that decision in g100.

[@MrPiffSmiff]

The kit lens has very effective VR stabilisation and you can also add electronic stabilisation if you want to crop a bit.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

@@yoginwidhi6676 you're right. At least I understand that Nikon has to protect the higher lineup, so it's counted as their early game mistakes. But I can't understand why G100 exist as it is. Someone has to be fired from their R&D department 🙃 Ignorance isn't a bliss in this declined industry.

[@ziginox]

Absolutely hilarious way to bring Richard into the video, loved watching him wander around in the background. It's rather interesting that Nikon paired up with Smallrig for the hand grip, instead of making it themselves.

[@8bitzgr]

These videos are gorgeous! Fun and enjoyable to watch while giving every possible detail on the cameras. Keep it up :D

[@petersuvara]

The dynamic with the hosts on this is great!!! So much better than Jared Polins grating show. Well done! Very friendly and insightful!

[@jamescabrera3655]

Love the video, your quick but detailed reviews and light humor. This camera will be great for vlogging and social media. Would love to have the mic input but for the affordable price and being compact - I like it!

[@mickue]

I am really surprised by the good microphone quality of the z30. 👍

[@GordoFriman]

I was about to say that is terrible. As terrible as the mic on the Z6 :(

[@falsemcnuggethope]

Chris sounded much better with the camera mic, much more low frequencies.

[@daveexplore3856]

Picking up mine end of March. Thanks for the review guys.

[@josh6499]

The internal mic is fantastic! Wow!

[@TaipeiGeek]

Great little camera. Nikon is really doing an outstanding job since 2020!

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

What a great little package and a price that matches it. Very good image quality as well for both video and photo.

[@beverlyb6391]

Thx for clear info, just learning what and how offerings.

[@goldfries]

Thanks, been using the Z 50 and Z Fc for my channel, can't wait to have the Z 30 into the arsenal.

[@luciaperry9138]

Just got it and I love it!

[@rizalahmad4207]

Hilarious!! I almost forgot I’m in this because of the camera review. Loving your style guys.

[@damasovi_travels1244]

The nikon mirrorles I was waitting for!!! I know what I want for my Bday!!!

[@thanosbikos]

Great presentation. Looking forward to this. I do video with Zfc and some older dslrs. I got the Zfc for the 4K video and I found it's a pleasure to use. I'm going to get a couple of Z30's and invest in mirrorless DX system.

[@lymemj]

I definitely like the images I am seeing, the depth of them and crispiness. An image is worth a thousand words. Like the review ;)

[@JSarmat86]

This video is so awesome that i had to watch it twice!

[@Slang_Forever]

awesome review I just couldnt help but notice that rolling shutter

[@lloydk]

Thank you for bringing up the R10 as competitor, I've been looking for a comparison between the 2 and honestly can't find any... Would be nice to see them go up against each other. Also looking forward to your final review of this 🙂 *beginner looking for my 1st camera ever* not counting a phone obviously 😅

[@robgeorge102]

As always a great video. I do struggle with Nikon’s logic though, introducing smaller, lighter, cheaper dx cameras without a glass ecosystem to support them. Hopefully this will improve in the not too distant future.

[@IliasKoureas]

Viltrox capitalizing on this. Their 13mm will be a topseller. Nikon is missing out on their own products :/

[@robgeorge102]

@@IliasKoureas I agree. Hopefully Sigma & Tamron will follow suit too.

[@IliasKoureas]

@@robgeorge102 not soon , maybe mid 2023

[@raynaudier8622]

According to Nikon Rumors, "New high-end Nikkor 'Z' APSC mirrorless lenses will also be announced at some point; those lenses are not part of the current Z roadmap." So... maybe soon 😃

[@IliasKoureas]

@@raynaudier8622 hopefully high end doesn't mean over the cost of the actual bodies

[@Hits9Nine]

Picked up the Z30 and a Sigma 30mm f1.4. Such a great camera, very happy with the quality.

[@seriyezh]

What a gorgeous nature!

[@johndao5870]

Hey, dpreview, did you shoot in flat and color graded the footages? It looks awesome. Could you tell me how you color graded the footages? I guess the software already supports the flat file format.

[@artemkamkov9857]

Body looks very good, nice design.

[@Deepakkumar-hz8xl]

Great review as always! Doest Z30 downsampled 4k from 6k? Thanks

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Looks like a great camera to mount the Noct on

[@hyunchuloh2099]

I'm already starting to like this model!

[@jre617]

Love Chris reviews. (Love trains too.)

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Good job Nikon, I am sure this will do vey well !!! And with the Z lens line up? Wow !!!!

[@JeanV1986]

The omission of ibis in this camera is a major drawback. An Olympus em 5.3 might not offer the same sheer IQ, the footage coming from it will be much more usable.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

I love EM5m3 from practical standpoint. It is small but looks beefy. Sadly on my region it's quite pricey.

[@projectknifehand]

Was pretty excited about this camera as I began researching it. Unless I am missing something is this a "vlogging camera" without stabilization?

[@ingobohn]

Naked legs in red leather shoes on a wooden bench ... that will cost me several therapy sessions 🤣🤣🤣 (thankfully covered by my health insurance)

[@CarlBergsdorf]

Looks good! Seems like Nikons answer to Sony ZV-E10.

[@jerrybao1934]

But where are the lenses besides those kit lenses? Sony has its own + Sigma + other third party options

[@iamhassan9943]

This is not their “answer” to the ZV-E10. Nikon did not just create this camera because Sony created the ZV-E10.

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

@@iamhassan9943 Meanwhile, it slots in right next to the E10, but just below since it's missing the videocentric features that the E10 enjoys.

[@markusschlevogt]

@@jerrybao1934 Maybe its not comparable, but look to the APS-C lenses from Viltrox for Nikon Z. Used them on the Z50 and was very pleased in terms of AF, build- and imagequality. And not because of the small prices. Besides that I use the megadap ETZ21 on my Z9 to use Sony E-lenses. It works very well. I know, this might not be the same thing as for sony users, but maybe its interessting for some nikon shooters who still wait for new APS-C lenses :)

[@iamhassan9943]

@@BlueBomberTurbo Your point? It is not their “answer.” Nikon did not create this camera because the E10 exist. Cameras are years in the making not just a oh look, “they made this let’s bring out something just like it.” 🙄

[@kevindiossi]

It's shocking to me how similar every camera ends up being at each price point. LOL This is a affordable, compact APS-C camera for....Nikon users looking for a vloging camera. Just like the R10 is a compact, affordable APS-C camera for...Canon users looking for (you get the picture.) I enjoyed the humor from you and Richard.

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Really great looking camera

[@victorshikhman]

Guys, this was the most fun episode to watch, thank you! There's a lot to like about this camera, but let me just ask the obvious question... outside of camera-world, what "content creator" for the hottest social media platforms - instagram, tiktok, OF, etc. would reach for this, instead of their cell phones? I shoot with an 80D and a T2i, and... I mean, really, the minor iterative changes from those 6 to 10 year old cameras to this Z30 pale in comparison to smartphone capability today. I have maybe half a dozen high capacity SD cards I've never even looked at after shooting with them - family trips, events, etc. - because it's such a pain to load all those pics into lightroom, choose your five keepers out of 100, edit them, load them into instagram or facebook, share them. These camera manufacturers really need to be lowering all these pain points to differentiate themselves from smartphones and create a more compelling use case for everyone who is not paid to shoot. Shooting, minor editing with presets or AI, sharing to social media or whatsapp, etc., need to be done from the camera itself, without connecting to anything, no clunky file transfer. We need to be seeing a lot more innovation in ease of use, as opposed to a 5% improvement in eye detect hit rates.

[@jlwilliams]

Well, I don't have an OnlyFans, so I'll have to take your word for it... but I would THINK it would be really annoying to be filming on your phone and suddenly you get a call or text you just have to answer, like your last Tinder date wanting to whine about some test results or something... no, seriously, I mostly agree with you. I still use a real camera for still photography because the images hold up better at large sizes, but for social-media video I usually just use an iPhone on a gimbal. But I can think of a couple of reasons why some vloggers would still want to use something like this. One of them is audio -- using a phone with a shotgun mic or wireless mic receiver attached is awkward.

[@TonyBeingTony]

This.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

This Nikon z30 will sell very well as price point is in line with the popular Sony ZV-E10 it competes against. Some of the Nikon Z30 features are better. Nikon Z30 has no IBIS but it has digital VR stabilization plus full width 4K at 30p and 120p at 1080HD. Its stereo microphone in body is quite good, however external mic would be better and there is a small Nikon Content Creator kit with Rode MicroVideo Mic and remote control and small stand which has a low price to add to camera. If someone wants more stabilization the Crane M3 is ideal as a gimbal and if you want wide fast primes for apsc and autofocus in video look at the Viltrox apsc lens line up starting at 13mm f1.4 perfect for self vlogging, plus a couple of others at a modest price. Nikon you need to make a Z 16mm f1.4 lens for apsc.

[@joshmcdzz6925]

What about the overheating?

[@wakeywarrior]

I had a Panasonic G9, great camera but too large for my needs. Bought a Sony ZV1 (to which I compare the Z30 on my channel) and it was small, but image quality I always yearned for something better having the G9. This I bought and I love it. I was worried about the lack of IBIS but the kit lens has decent stabilisation (matches at least the ZV1 see my video) and the image quality is brilliant just on auto. It is also a very, very good photo camera. The in built mic is also fantastic. The camera ‘useability’ is fantastic. It really is a fantastic camera for my needs at least, I love it.

[@vj_great551]

Is the image quality better than comparable canon cameras?. I have m200 and I am thinking about upgrading

[@mendo35]

Fun video and I can confirm all your facts are 100% true.

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

poor richard ... treat him nicer ... love you guys

[@sidd_bal8118]

Guys, a quick question: should I go for the Fujifilm X-T200 or the Nikon Z30? I love Fujifilm's images, but within a budget, X-T200 is the only option available. Nikon Z30 is something new and the alternative I found. Pardon the irrelevance to the video!

[@travisraab]

I'm so confused. Are half these shots made on another camera? 3:54 which camera is shooting this?

[@amalieemmynoether992]

Definitely need to do more crossovers with the Seattle team 😆

[@GaganGrewalf095]

When content is better than gear being reviewed in the content 😄

[@mirrorlessny]

love that selfie stick with detachable remote 6:54

[@alex-chicago-80]

If this can be used as a webcam than I guess there's I can make some room in my budget. I was going to grab me a Z5 (this would be the second time around, last time I returned it) and have a Z6 ii - Z30 combo for the office. But I'm also waiting on the Z6 iii which it's rumored for fall.

[@TheDeltaMoo]

Z6 iii is not yet rumoured at all. Only predicted by some folk

[@davidneto6368]

Will there ever be an om1 definitive review?

[@simplesimonstudios]

Awesome.

[@AlbenOsaki]

That looks like that little path right across from the Grizzly Paw brewery in Canmore!

[@thatjordandrake]

It is!

[@Titanpharao]

Oh man, I was recently in Calgary and Canmore. I see a lot of wildlife, bears, grizzly, deers but no DPReview outside in the wild.

[@davidm5790]

Really overlooking a rolling shutter test with this camera. If the rolling shutter is good it will be miles ahead of the zve10

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Because it is an initial review. We have to be patient, Jordan not even show up in this video 😅

[@TheDeltaMoo]

It has a lot of the same internals as Z50 and Zfc, you should be able to check the rolling shutter from reviews for those cameras

[@yawningmarmot]

If it's the same as on Z fc, then it's miles ahead of ZV-E10 (talking from experience here).

[@ShaneDMCshorts]

@@yawningmarmot it is then😂

[@createtechreviews4282]

This is not the camera for me but I was impressed with the in-camera audio. Compared to a lot of other in-camera audio, it was usable.

[@sloppy-1-1]

Does "subject detection af" mean that it has the subject detection of the z9 (like people, animal, cars, etc) or like the af interface of the z50/5/6/7?

[@deepaksomayya]

Thanks for the Review , We Can Say the Empire Strikes Back with Z-30 , We hope there would one more Strike left against Competition R10 , if there could be Z60 with Dual Card Slot and Filpy Sreen and Priced much Competative than R10 , then this would be icing on the cake for Nikon

[@md5manvideos932]

Don't forget 4k 60fps. That being said I think the next upcoming Sony aps-c camera will probably fulfill everything, except it will be expensive. If the rumors are true.

[@user-gx2mr5hj1l]

Great review but is there are rolling shutter in this camera?

[@gregoz6]

I cannot seem to be able to find where they moved the "special effects" (miniature, toy camera effect, selective color, HDR painting, etc.) My old D3300 had a designated dial just for those effects. Pls let me know, thx

[@2BeLikeChrist]

I need some of those shoes... sockless of course

[@marvintpandroid2213]

It will be interesting to see where the z20 or z10 will go.

[@Molybdan42]

What, this is Richard Butler? From his picture on DPReview I thought he is a guy in his 50s... 🤯

[@JasonLorette]

Finally Nikon! This looks quite awesome...4K 30, flip screen and the tally light!

[@MusabTahaTarik]

you are way better than the others :)

[@James-lu4en]

Would you recommend when I have an iPhone 14 pro? Starting out in real estate and worried APS-C won't offer a wide enough angle?

[@joshuaconti989]

This would be a perfect walkaround daily carry if there was an optional EVF add on much like the old Nikon 1 series had. If they drop that option I would jump. Also I'm not seeing much mention of the "digital e-VR image stabilization"- has that been tested?

[@jessecook3593]

Would be interested to see if they release the hot shoe evf as well. Seems like a nice accessory add-on if Nikon plans to release more slim, compact bodies that don't have the built in evf prism on top.

[@joshuaconti989]

@@jessecook3593 we do live in a decent era of third party add ons- if this camera takes off there might be a chance someone makes an EVF... if thats even possible or if Nikon's even allowed that information to connect to the shoe inside the camera =)

[@johndao5870]

I love the colors. Video is crisp. Compared to 8:12 Sony zve10 slog2, I prefer z30's colors.

[@razorlord9330]

Yeah.. Nikon does have better colors than Sony.. i own a6400 and z50.. genuinely prefer z50 over 6400 for colors..

[@Azeemmerchant]

Absolutely ❤🙌🏼

[@ciudadanosdelcosmos]

Hi,for street photography (beginner here) , i saw specs, but wich do you recommend for your own experience ? this or Lumix gx9 ? thanks

[@BrendanMacWade]

This seems way better than the Z50. It's a rangefinder made as small as possible while keeping manual controls. But I bought my Canon M6 MKii for one big reason: Canon had better native lenses at the time, and it seems it still does despite no new lenses since 2019.

[@andresce1308]

Is this a good as the Z6II for video? Does it have better autofocus or the same?

[@tifteen]

Is it a good camera for photos? What size filter does it take?

[@booshipvideo5513]

I read some article saying there is oversampled 4k on Z30 but I didn't found it in Nikon official Manual?

[@seitanicgoat3194]

Don’t know why but with the shot that Richard was standing on bench and you talking about z30 made me laugh. Twice 😂

[@huseyint4840]

Great. Thx

[@Sam-mc2dk]

The vlog scenes were shaky. IBIS is a must for a camera like this and a wider lens. The grip looks nice.

[@spritual_enlightenment]

OK. How about AF performance?

[@sciamachystandard3676]

I want to know what bag Chris is rocking!

[@niccollsvideo]

That is the excellent Wotancraft Scout series. Their latest edition, and a sexy bag for sure.

[@AaronXu70]

well, will we have z63 this year?

[@amermeleitor]

How well can work the third party lenses in Nikon Z mount? Is Nikon supporting them? I have had bad experiences with non native Canon EF lenses (Yongnuo, Tamron). I think Sony is doing a lot better, third party lenses works without problems

[@FabledFew]

I have the Viltrox 35mm which I use with the Z5. Works fine, no real issues. The AF is not as snappy as Nikon glass, but it’s half the price.

[@TTWGD3]

Also, where is this video being filmed? Reminds me of Vail Colorado

[@alexshdvideo]

kind of interesting.. honestly..jump in from Nikon DSLR's (D300s). to a Z system... yeah I want a Z9... but this gets my feet wet for less than a used Z6? kind of compelling..

[@Shayar.Gaming69]

Sir ,Z30 vs zve10 which one is batter for videography , and photography sigma E Mount 16mm f1. 4 Vs viltrox z Mount 13mm f1. 4 Which is good for video and little bit use for photography 📸

[@LucaBono.Studio]

Am I the only one that didn't like the skin tones, while they were using the Z30? Is the Standard profile a better option for skin tones on Nikon cameras?

[@gameuploaderish]

You got a link to your green bag ? Where to buy it

[@wanderlust0120]

Can we use the menu pad as a autofocus joystick?

[@alejandrocastelblanco2684]

What about photos? im curios for a video about raw photos after it is on market!

[@alinoe3604]

Hi. Some solution about overheating?

[@D_L_J_83]

What bag are you using Chris?

[@niccollsvideo]

The Wotancraft Scout series. Definitely check it out!

[@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg34]

Nikon Z30 vs canon r10 which has better autofocus?

[@jbird7782]

I have a novel idea for the camera manufacturers that omit headphone jacks. Why not put a Bluetooth capability for ear buds or other wireless headphones? My Xperia 5 III has this capability and it was a revelation for adjusting the audio input while filming some shots in the woods and picking up the ambient sounds ( woodpeckers, songbirds, etc) I had no idea the phone would even do this, it wasn't marketed at all. Found by happy accident.

[@richardbutler8532]

I've just finished writing an article that covers this. I agree it would be really useful.

[@jbird7782]

@@richardbutler8532 got a link?

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

Which bag is Chris wearing?

[@capturingthedrama]

Wow internal audio sounds useable!

[@Sporp]

That's the part that shocks me the most. The audio out of my z6 is dog water

[@GregThurtle]

Is this a rebadged Sony a5100?

[@vj_great551]

Is there any pancake lens for nikon with f2.0 aperture or lowr

[@user-ct1it3bp5l]

What camera did you use to film this review?

[@BenChou946]

when will the z70 or something that has miniHDMI, headphone, more faster cpu(at least z50 is slower than D7500)

[@vj_great551]

This is not just a vlogging camera. . It is good for photography too