Nikon Z30 Review // Travel + Street Photography Field Test

[@michellek1376]

I have been through so many reviews of this camera but yours is the first to have such thorough and straight forward tests/examples. Thank you SO much!

[@NoelGuevara]

If you only knew how happy this makes me. Thank you!

[@amhtxc2960]

I am using this little machine more and more in spite of me being a full-frame fan. It is, as you say, so little and light but also vey ergonomic and so easy to handle with one hand. Pair it with a 40mm F/2.0 (full frame lens) or a DX 24 mm f/1.7 and you are good to go in pretty much any situation. With any of those two lenses the quality/price ratio of the combo is superb.

[@rickpinelli1586]

I have a Z9 and Z7 for my main cameras and use the Z30 as my walk-around camera for street photography and video.

[@NoelGuevara]

What an impressive kit! I had a Z7 + Z6 and the Z30. Thanks for watching!

[@rainbowtrash1625]

I own two D750s and bought a Z30 for my daughter to start learning photography. So far I've been very impressed with the little Z!

[@NoelGuevara]

Great to hear! Thanks for dropping by!

[@sydfasho]

just purchased last night ! cant wait to upgrade from using my iphone for my channel!

[@NoelGuevara]

oh wow! I’m so excited for you! Let me know if you need help!

[@aravindanr7942]

Z30 user: Z30 focuses faster and better in low light and contrast. Z30 Tracking Focus is snappier on moving targets, particularly in the people/animal modes including video. using the 16-50mm kit lens. The lens focuses close (8”) Best with 16-50 lens

[@nimo95]

👍🏻Sir....im from India/Maharashtra and....Im going to buy this Nikon Z30 after watching your review.....🚩🏞️

[@NoelGuevara]

Happy to hear! Enjoy this amazing camera! Let me know what you think.

[@adamcinematic9499]

excelent review. Best on the youtube market. Many thanks for sharing.

[@NoelGuevara]

Thrilled to read this. Thank you for watching!

[@andreasbergwall9437]

Very well done talk about the z30. Would love a smaller Nikon but i don't think it's for be.

[@NoelGuevara]

Thank you for watching! The Z30 (like any camera) has a very specific market. Good on you to recognize that it's not for you.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

I finally jumped on getting a Z30. Picked one up for $450 used. I can definitely say this was the best review of the Z30, and I’ve watched many (too many) the last few days.

[@NoelGuevara]

Thank you for this! I was excited about being able to film in Berlin and include it as part of the review. Would appreciate a sub as well! Let me know how it goes with the Z30!

[@MichaelSeneschal]

@@NoelGuevara What? I thought I was already subbed. How rude of me. :) LOL Fixed that! I’m liking the Z30 more than I thought. My 70-200 lens with 2X TC gives an effective focal length of 600mm on the Z30. Amazed that it’s sharp, but that’s these Z lenses. Hope all’s good!

[@NoelGuevara]

Hahaha thanks man! Wow that's sweet. Yeah, the Z lenses are stunning pieces of glass.

[@85chuckanut]

People have no problems using their phones to take photos these days. So, the lack of an EVF shouldn't be an issue and somewhat familiar.

[@NoelGuevara]

Very good point. Thank you for watching!

[@kombsinc7753]

Correct!

[@g10col92]

You're right, a few years ago the lack of an evf was a deal breaker for me but I have become accustomed to using the rear screen. However if you live in a country with bright sunshine it maybe a problem - I live in the UK so bright sunshine is not such a big issue.

[@rscotthinkle]

Odd question. Everyone that has the GRiii thinks it is one of the best street photography cameras and it too doesn't have an articulating screen. The Z30 is in the same boat and has much better battery life, video, etc. How come we don't consider this an amazing street photography camera too? And both are small enough be inconspicuous due to not bringing it up to your eye to shoot. Just curious of your thoughts. Thanks and great video.

[@NoelGuevara]

I think it all boils down to marketing. The content creator market is bigger and more profitable if we were to be honest. I mean, I also love using my Z7 for street photography yet it isn’t meant for it. I like to think that this is a hidden gem of a use case scenario. Thanks for the support and for watching!

[@docireland]

Im considering the z30 over the z50 because in nature macro shots i do a lot of low angle shots that the Z50 screen just doesn't work for.

[@NoelGuevara]

I feel you!

[@theguynextdoor4978]

It looks very cute, petite and travel friendly size-wise. Is not in body stabilization a deal breaker?

[@NoelGuevara]

Not really. Some features had to be sacrificed for size, and the size also works well for handheld gimbals.

[@gregoz6]

I just bought it last week. The first impression is great, missing EVF? yeah, bummer, I keep trying to frame the shot with my eye. In the full sunlight, the LCD is useless. Luckily I am not interested in the full-sun pictures :-) I tested it against Sony ZV-1 and Z30 won the contest for many reasons.

[@NoelGuevara]

Glad you are enjoying the Z30! It's a great camera does its job really well.

[@Layput]

I have yet to see a review that uses different kinds of lens to really bring out the power of Z30. I think I might have to search for more.

[@Digmen1]

Great review. I have a Nikon zfc and I love it, but my g/f would love to get a Z30. I think Nikon should make a Z40 as you say with IBIS, full size HDMI and Headphone jack. Then they would have the best of bothe worlds , the Z30 for beginners and entry level, and the Z40 for more serious vloggers. But how much bigger and heavier and expensive would it be? They also need some more DX Z lenses.

[@NoelGuevara]

i think this could be solved by just incorporating those additions to the Z30II without making it too bulky. Another model would overcomplicate the Z line in my opinion. But yes, agree on the need for more Z lenses.

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

Last one plsss say how the camera will perform in terms of 4k video quality if provided good lighting setup in indoors for video recording at max 50mm zoom as aperture may go high to f/6.3. Pls ans this and also how is camera battery backup. Thanks fr video review 🎉🎉

[@vincenttanching3324]

Amazing review, very in-depth and informative! Kudos to you! Keep it up! 😁

[@NoelGuevara]

Glad you like it. Thank you for watching!

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

Do u suggest any camera cooling fan for nikon z 30. Does this type of fan is useful to keep it cool or no use of purchasing it. Or home AC is enough to keep it cool while 4k video recording in indoors in summers.

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

Seen full video.good review. Pls say does nikon z30 have heating issues while recording in 4k. Not continuous recording but start,record, pause fr a while n then again start, record, pause n so on.

[@ViverMensagens]

Top, adorei a sua descrição e a experiência que nos trouxe sobre a camera Z30. Showww

[@NoelGuevara]

thank you for those kind words!

[@obedbrinkman]

I own a Z50 wich has the same sensor, surprising good quality images!

[@NoelGuevara]

100% agree! Check out my review of it here, I took it to the test and was as happy as you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2HZYmqth6eog80

[@obedbrinkman]

@@NoelGuevara thanks! will watch it :)

[@DrPatientInvestor]

I purchased z30 with two kit lenses 16-50 & 50-250 one month back, I experienced that the bokeh effect is not so good in these kit lenses. Can u tell me a lense selection from above two kit lenses for portrait and landscape photography ? Thanks in advance Waiting for your valuable reply....

[@NoelGuevara]

I'd go 50 and 85 for portraits, then for landscape, 16 for ultra wides and 24 for panoramas!

[@r1berto1]

My daily shooter is a Z6ii. I've had the Z30 for about 2 weeks now. I take it everywhere. I am so disappointed, it leaves much to be desired as a photo camera. (cropped sensor and all) I guess the video side makes up for some of it. No EVF, the screen gets outpowered by the sun and the mic cable obstructs the rotating screen. I'll give it another month and see what happens. Thanks for your video.

[@NoelGuevara]

Sorry to hear that the Z30 doesn't match your requierments. How is it now?

[@r1berto1]

@@NoelGuevara I've kept the Z30. It kinda grows on you and I've gotten much better using it. It's small. Light and easy to use. It will never replace my Z6ii but it is a nice alternative.

[@NoelGuevara]

Yes absolutely. It's really more of a walkaround, personal-use camera. So glad you're enjoying it! Thanks again for watching, and please do sub if you would!

[@KennethGreenCMP]

Great review. This camera does not have an EVF or headphone jack because its of who it was intended for.

[@NoelGuevara]

You hit the nail on the head. Just wanted to make sure it's known for those about to make a decision. Thank you for the kind words and for watching!

[@patrick.771]

Is the image quality of the Z30 with the kit lens much better than the quality of an iPhone 13 Pro? I now have the Z6 but I don’t want to take this heavy camera on my bike rides or hikes all the time …

[@iandoolan8757]

Commenting on lack of IBIS is pointless. Use a Nikon lens with VR and you have 4 stops of shutter speed reduction and you can use an appropriate shutter speed without VR. The review criticises the Z50's screen and lack of articulation yet says the Z7's is preferred which is a tilting screen the same as the Z50. The images used for travel photography don't come close to demonstrating the Z30's quality and there is no reference to the Hugh ISO capability which is outstanding on the Z30. It was designed for use without an EVF - it's not something Nikon forgot. The Z30 is way more than an entry level camera with all the features and options available for not a lot of money. Autofocus is lightning quick and the touchscreen is as good as it gets. Build quality is excellent. Not a particularly good review.

[@orsonfilm5089]

Hi. Nice video, thanks for that. There is a USB port in the camera, can i use it for an external mic?

[@NoelGuevara]

i haven’t tried it!

[@teamanarkaliwithjijo7036]

Can we charge it with powerbank? Any conditions if it can. Like cable. Etc??

[@RattlesnakeJake-d3u]

Caution! I recently downloaded firmware for the Zfc from Nikon. When I hit the upload, the camera shut itself down and would not restart. Nikon support told me it would have to be sent to a service center. I mailed it, at my expense. After a week, I got an estimate for repair. Almost $ 300.00. This camera was just over one year old, purchased directly from Nikon and had less than 1,000 actuations. The camera worked perfectly until I tried to upload the firmware. Note - I own over two dozen Nikon cameras including four Z series and I am very familiar with the update procedure. Has anyone else had this problem?

[@vj_great551]

Never download any firmware

[@NoelGuevara]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't have this problem nor have experienced it with all my other Z cameras. Must be a one-in-a-million occurence. Hope you were able to resolve it.

[@NoelGuevara]

The Z30 is a surprisingly enjoyable and capable camera to use! What are your thoughts on Nikon's latest camera?

[@Surianaceae]

I bought it to complement my Z5 and Z50, and to have a Cam always with me (for Street), fit's easy into my coat pockets, so I can carry the Cam always with me. Reasons why I bought: - No build-in flash - no need - No viewfinder - no need - the vari-angle LCD Screen - for low angle shots - the Kit-Lens which is very sharp - was very surprised - the compact and small size, but the power of the Z-System Z30 + 16-50 Kit-Lens + Manfrotto Pixi mini Tripod = Best Combo for have a Cam always with you.

[@NoelGuevara]

It's really a little camera that could, isn't it? I'm very happy with this camera! Thanks for watching!

[@Surianaceae]

@@NoelGuevara So we get another Z30 POV soon? 😇🙂

[@markshirley01]

If it had gyro stabalisation Id have bought one - but Im probably getting ZVE10 for that reason.

[@TJ-ct9rr]

I use the Z30, the only thing I am missing is EVF. Good for learning but now, boy I should have bought Z50

[@cloudymindtv85]

just got the z30 as my first camera anybody knows of a little view finder I can snap on top of it for quick pics?

[@Chippyeater]

Thank you this was very helpful, definitely subscribing

[@NoelGuevara]

Thanks for the sub and for watching!

[@wakeywarrior]

The camera is fantastic, I also did a review in a very amateur review on my channel and a comparison to my ZV1 and this camera is simply fantastic! Your review is much better than mine and excellent! What video settings do you use? The inbuilt mic is fantastic isn’t it? I got the dead cat by smallrig.

[@NoelGuevara]

hello! glad you liked the video and enjoyed the Z30! Yes, the internal mic caught me by surprise! although the frequency response didn’t show any difference among the options. I filmed this with the Nikon Z5 and 24mm 1.8 Z lens!

[@wakeywarrior]

@@NoelGuevara thanks- the outdoor scenes where you were checking the Z30 microphone, what video settings do you use? Just auto?

[@NoelGuevara]

Manual! 1/60, max aperture, 100 iso IIRC

[@MaybeTiberius]

the z30 in theory actually looks super nice to me. and in fact i think its a camra i could be happy with if its the only camera i had to use... BUT the mission viewfinder just kills it. and thats coming from someone who doesnt even like viewfinders and i never did. i wear glasses. using viewfinder with glasses is beyond annoying so whenever i can use the display instead.. i do that. however by having no evf at all, you will run into so many situations outside where for example the sun is bright and shining onto your display and you cant rarely see anything on it and you HAVE to use the evf in that situation as a back up. not having this backup at all feels kind of limiting

[@medianopol]

couldn't agree more, unfortunately. But you kind of work it around by blocking the sun with your body if it s facing from behind but that does not cut it all the time. Yes, you might have a fighting chance if you bump up the display brightness but then after a while you have to dial it back down because it will be too bright in other situations. It would of been nice to integrate a small evf like in the sony a6000 series cameras.

[@xophaser]

head phone jack you don't need most of the time. You can attach an external recorder and most have a headphone jack

[@NoelGuevara]

but that is counterproductive to its portability.

[@xophaser]

@@NoelGuevara if you are vlogging yourself you wouldn't have on. external mic are small too. Yes on the portability thing if they just included it.

[@markdavid801]

I’m so torn! Is the lack of EVF that much more inconvenient to assess frane\photos? 😢

[@s3calcutta]

What do you suggest for a beginner . Z30 , ZE V 10 and M50 Mark II?

[@NoelGuevara]

I'd go with the Z30. ZV E10 has some persisting issues. I believe @geraldundone covered them!

[@7_minimalist866]

The design with the corner why nikon cut it like an ear it is really different

[@josefarinha5358]

Nice review, but when we have lot of sunny?

[@blainemitchell]

What camera do you use for this studio video?

[@NoelGuevara]

I used a Nikon Z7 for this. I have since upgraded to a Sony FX3.

[@maheshdeokar1220]

How is the rolling shutter while making videos ...?

[@HEHEHEHEHEHE10]

Which one is better sony zv-10 or nikon z30

[@NoelGuevara]

That's a close call as both cameras nearly identical on paper. I'd lean towards the Z30 simply because of the Nikon color and Z glass that you can use with it. However if you're embedded in the Sony ecosytem, then the ZV-10 would be a better option.

[@markshirley01]

How have you found it

[@HEHEHEHEHEHE10]

@@NoelGuevara just brought z30 thanks for the suggestion :)

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

​@@HEHEHEHEHEHE10how does the camera perform with kit lens any heating issues while recording in 4k pls say.

[@medianopol]

​@@PradeepKumar-tq4evheating issues in 4k appear after about 20-40mins depending on the room temperature. i have heard that this improves if you use high quality sd cards but have not tested it yet with a v60 or v90. I have a transcend v30 and it overheats in 4k for longer periods

[@wdb1932]

Elevated skill level and experience compensates for no EVF

[@NoelGuevara]

sure, but kind of hard o see LCD when the sun is blazing around you.

[@PaperWorkPictures]

What's the video crop factor in 1080p 30 frames ? For nikon z30

[@Willymaze]

The Z30 doesn't crop video even in 4K 30, so that's really good. Of course if you use electronic stabilization it's going to crop a little bit, to 1.23x.

[@PaperWorkPictures]

@@Willymaze great thanks for reply ♥ good to know

[@NDBPRODUCTION]

i am using nikon z30. When connected to a computer, z30 does not display memory card time information, does not allow video recording. is this an error?

[@PradeepKumar-tq4ev]

Does ur problem solved. Pls say.

[@danpsharpe]

For your audio tests, what level was your mic set to? Auto?

[@NoelGuevara]

Between 4-6!

[@JantaSaree-gl1uq]

Z30 or a6100 for street photography in 2023 ??

[@NoelGuevara]

Z30, definitely. Choices of lenses alone (especially MF ones) is really hard to beat.

[@carlosgonzalez-kh8gm]

What software or app do you use to edit a am new in it

[@potatofuryy]

A good advanced pc software is “Davinci Resolve”. Is it free and many pros use it, it is pretty complicated but there are good tutorials on youtube.

[@strayferal]

Great review, but you missed the point - this is "content creators/vloggers camera" and you did not reviewed the video features at all.

[@Willymaze]

I disagree, he just showed that it's not limited to vlogging. He also made a bunch of B-roll shots and tested the internal sound.

[@alsadiq222]

Is this camera better than sony zve10

[@NoelGuevara]

it's a close call. I think it's down to the ecosystem you're currently using. Go Nikon if you have Nikon cameras / lenses and vice versa. If you're brand agnostic or this is your only camera, I suggest the Z30 if you're going to use it for photos primarily, and Sony if it's more for video.

[@xzygmvnd]

Subscribed! 🇵🇭

[@NoelGuevara]

thank you for the support!

[@vaibhavchougule797]

Hi sir, For Photography purpose this camera really worth ?

[@potatofuryy]

The Z30 is more made for video and vloggers. So if taking pictures is important to you, the Z50 is better for you. It can also record video, but for shorter time.

[@richardpette]

@@potatofuryy I think the Z30 is better if the size is importent as an still camera for travel. If the EVF is more importent then the Z50 is better i think for stills. I bought the z30 as a gift for someone that wants a small compact camera instead of his phone to take simple snapshot when traveling.

[@James-lu4en]

Would you recommend this when I have an iPhone 14 pro?

[@pratipkarmakar01]

For photography 100% nikon z30 is better than any smartphone.

[@NoelGuevara]

absolutely.

[@stphotogfrank]

It's more enjoyable shooting with this camera than any smartphone, just look at the way we're forced to hold smartphones for shooting

[@pratipkarmakar01]

@@stphotogfrank 100%

[@Chippyeater]

I have a question, can I attach an evf?

[@NoelGuevara]

If there was one, it would most probably be HDMI dependent. But a better question is, should you attach an evf? I think that defeats the purpose of the camera model. :)

[@gianfds3177]

THX

[@NoelGuevara]

you’re welcome!

[@k3n12ock]

Annoying? I love the articulating screens and HATE that nikon removed that on their new bodies - its 100x better than just the lame ones they have now

[@cyberblade6120]

You missed the most important weakness. The overheating problem when shooting in 4K is the ultimate No Go. After 25 minutes of filming the camera shuts down due to overheating. What kind of Vlogging camera is this? As photo camera it is unusable due to the missing view finder. Keep away from this camera!

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

a vlogging camera with inbody stabilization is a joke

[@NoelGuevara]

well it’s not just a vlogging camera isn’t it?

[@rexonpadre4653]

IBIS is a must ​@@NoelGuevara. I have a Z9 though. I got interested only because of it's size.

[@donpakka]

that mini mic sounds awful