Nikon Z30 Long Term Review: your first proper camera?

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

I got a Z30 with the 16-50mm and the 50-250mm and I am very happy with the results. These are not amazing lenses but after some practice I got results that convinced me that this is a great travel camera, in addition to produce very good results for other purposes under the right circumstances. Sometimes I use the Z30 with some of my FX lenses using the FTZ II adapter (e.g. Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART) and the results are great. I agree that battery life is not great for video, and with the fact that under low light situations the autofocus may not be the best, but for that price range this camera is amazing. I have a couple of FX cameras, and a D500, but I got use to have the Z30 with me and I always take it with my other gear. Thank you for this video.

[@rayrayg9]

I have the exact same experience with the battery! I'm puzzled at how all the other reviewers don't mention it. The battery indicator behaves like it's possesed. 😵‍💫

[@davepeckphotography]

😂 that’s a good way to put it. You’ve got no confidence in it at all

[@rayrayg9]

I've no problem with the focusing. I record at rallies where there are many people walking around, sometimes walking across the frame but the AF instantly recovers and sticks to the person doing a speech (AF-F, Auto-Area; sometimes Wide+PeopleAF)

[@davepeckphotography]

@rayrayg9 I don’t think it’s great when there’s not much light about. The pocket 3 is loads better so far

[@TheNolefanjimbo]

I love my Z30. With the three Sigma primes, it’s an exceptional image-making machine and the video is great as well. It’s used along with my Z6, D500, Sony FX30 and Sigma FP.

[@davepeckphotography]

Any focussing issues?

[@RobSquare]

your video low light issues are due to the kit lens... all cameras struggle in this scenario. Pick up a low prime, like a 16mm f1.8 and you'll be very happy.

[@davepeckphotography]

Thank you, I agree that would work. I prefer a zoom for vlogging (my primary use) to get a bit more variety in my footage and there aren’t many that have a wider aperture that would improve the focusing. Interestingly I have been using the pocket 3 for the last 6 months and have had no issues whatsoever with focusing in low light.

[@dawei566]

Subscribed and thanks for the sharing. Am waiting for the shipment for Z30 and chosen a PZ 12-28mm VR kit lens instead of the 16-50 & 50-250mm. Hope it work fine with 12-28mm power zoom len.

[@davepeckphotography]

I’m sure it will, thanks for the sub

[@dawei566]

@@davepeckphotography The pleasure is mine.

[@ConfusedAstroStation-mb2ch]

Have the Z30, just got the Z6III as well. I think the Z6III solves most of the Z30 issues..although not Z30 price point (NRAW, IBIS, dual card slots)

[@davepeckphotography]

Dual card slots are definitely something I think it needs although I’ve not had a corrupt card issue so far.

[@richardlynam2007]

Great Review and video. Congrats on the 1K Subs (Loads of Hard work!)

[@davepeckphotography]

Thank you for that Richard. This was the third take for this as well!

[@PoBoyCustoms]

Hello from Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia, USA... this is great news, since I've already bought it. 😂😂 I needed an upgrade from my Nikon D70 on a budget. I'm a new photographer & really enjoying it so far.

[@davepeckphotography]

Keep it up! Z30 will suit you fine.

[@garrysugdenphotography]

Almost identical comments from me re: the Z-FC. Its now all but retired in favour of the Pocket 3.

[@davepeckphotography]

Enjoying the pocket 3 mate. The Dlog is brilliant

[@MHLandscape]

Great video mate, thank you for the shout out!

[@roofoftheworld1959]

Thanks Dave, sharing about Nikon z 30 experience, I was looking for vlog camera, moment I am using iPhone.

[@davepeckphotography]

This will be perfect I reckon. Or the Pocket 3 which is brilliant

[@roofoftheworld1959]

@@davepeckphotography which memory card fit for Nikon z 30 for vlogging?

[@davepeckphotography]

SD card, as fast as you can buy but I’ve used all sorts of

[@paulwbakerphotography]

A fair review, I have been using the Z30 for a couple of years and will not be replacing it anytime soon as it does the job intended, video. I agree about the low light focus but I have been putting up with it. I have purchased two other lenses for the Z30 too for B Roll the 50-250 and the 12-28, both have been little used and both have not really done much in my vlogging. Thank mate.

[@davepeckphotography]

Youve been using the Z8 for vlogging? Wow, that’s pretty flash. I presume it’s much better in low light than the Z30 though?

[@paulwbakerphotography]

@@davepeckphotography 😂 mistake. The Z30 for vlogging I have the Z8 on the brain

[@paulwbakerphotography]

@@davepeckphotography corrected that error. Sorry

[@RealBesty]

Made me jump when you said my name! (It was someone else) :)

[@davepeckphotography]

😂😂 sorry to scare you mate

[@RealBesty]

@@davepeckphotography With your photographer’s hat on (must get one of those), would you prefer to use the Z50?

[@davepeckphotography]

@RealBesty for photography no I’m not sure I would. It’s only the viewfinder that’s different isn’t it? I would much rather have something compact and no viewfinder if everything else was the same.

[@RealBesty]

@@davepeckphotography Yes, the viewfinder and I think the 50 has a tilty screen.

[@davepeckphotography]

@RealBesty think I’d stick with the Z30. The screen is better and after using the GFX I’m quite used to using the screen.

[@AsbjrnKyhlPaulsen]

Hi Dave. Thanks for your honest video of your Z30. Could I ask what your settings in Custom setting menu - Autofocus - G3 (-5 - +5) and G4 AF tracking sensitivity (1-7) are; I wonder if you could fine tune for a more sticky autofocus ?

[@davepeckphotography]

I will check but I’ve never adjusted them so it will be whatever the default setting is. Have you got any recommendations?

[@AsbjrnKyhlPaulsen]

@@davepeckphotography No, sorry I just had the thought after seen another youtuber explain this a while ago.

[@AsbjrnKyhlPaulsen]

@@davepeckphotography kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppK1h5mlp8R4hpo&ab_channel=CameraConspiracies for filming in shade aid he adjusted Speed - 2 (G3), tracking 5 (G4)(time 4.03-4.09).