Nikon Z30 vs Nikon Z50 II
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Nikon Z30 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $710, about $199 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 495g (1.09 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon Z50 II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -9 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Nikon Z30 launched at $710, $199 under the Nikon Z50 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Durability: the Nikon Z50 II is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Nikon Z30 is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 495g (1.09 lb) — 90g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon Z30 or the Nikon Z50 II better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Nikon Z30?
Choose the Nikon Z30 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $710, about $199 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 495g (1.09 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon Z50 II?
Choose the Nikon Z50 II if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -9 EV gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon Z30 and the Nikon Z50 II?
Price: the Nikon Z30 launched at $710, $199 under the Nikon Z50 II — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Effective Resolution | 20.9 MP | 20.9 MP |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 11 fps | 11 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | N-Log / HLG | N-Log / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 209 | 209 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -3.5 EV | -9 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | − | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | − | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | − | 0.68x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5 | v5.3 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $710 | $909 |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate / Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 128×73.5×59.5 mm | 127×96.8×66.5 mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 495g (1.09 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 230 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 320 shots | 250 shots |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25a | EN-EL25b |
