Nikon z30

A few thoughts about the new Nikon z30.

First of all about nobody saw that one coming. Nikon rumors had their first report on June 6 2022. On June 29 the camera was announced, less than a month later, with the camera shipping by July 18. None of the ‘experts’ with ‘connections’ had anything before that report by Nikon Rumors. Perhaps their connections aren’t what they claim them to be, perhaps they don’t really know more than you and I?

What’s is it?

Second, let’s take a quick look at what it is, and how it fits into the Nikon Z line. Yes, it’s the z50 innards, minus the viewfinder, plus a flip screen for selfie recording. And yes, it’s a video focused entry level camera, for US$ 700, or US$850 with the kit zoom. There’s a creators kit as well for US$1000, which adds an external microphone and a remote controlled handgrip.

Focus here is on entry level, people who come from cell phones and want to try a ‘real camera’, but without spending 2000 bucks or more for a body, lens, and whatever else they might need. That’s why there is no IBIS, no log video files, no headphone jack even, to check on your recording.

For IBIS you will have to go upmarket, or get a cheap gimbal, which is likely the preferred solution for those really serious about their videos anyway. Logfiles are another want for advanced users, but does someone who comes from a cell phone really want to jump into serious editing, or perhaps just good video straight from the camera? Same goes for the missing audio jack. You’re not likely using headphones while recording yourself, plus there are visual level indicators on the LCD to help you here. Plus there are external microphones with headphone jack, or microphone splitters. However, does someone who does his first steps away from a cell phone really want all this, or is it getting already to technical – and too costly?

So that’s really the target group, people coming from cell phones, getting their first camera, and start recording, at US$ 1000 at the most. AT the same time this is where the z30 fits in Nikon’s line-up. The z30, z50 and the Zfc really are a triplet, but one with a triple purpose. They are designed to appeal to different entry level users: video creators, photography folks, and…experimental/lifestyle people. Of course all three do everything, but not quite, hence the three. Could you put everything in one body? Not really, and certainly not at US$700. Bottom line is those three ‘same, same but different’ bodies are aimed to bring a wider variation of people into the Z system.

Can it take photos, too?

Third point is usability as photography camera. Yes, it’s there, it good the grip from the z50, with front and rear dials. Ergonomics are excellent for such a small camera. I have it currently earmarked as an replacement for my Nikon j5, which I have used many years as a pendant to my D3 (and later z7) as a secondary camera always in my office bag.

The experience with the j5 has taught me that the lack of a viewfinder wasn’t what bothered me most. I was always able to cope, even here in Bangkok, in the tropics. Most of the times the sun isn’t fully on the LCD to begin with. You hold the camera different than a cell phone, so that’s one reason why you get less direct sunlight on the screen. Plus if it does happen you can shield it with your body, head, or even a hand if really needed. As said during many years with a j5 this has never been a real concern.

There was one real disadvantage not having a viewfinder – composing images with long lenses. 300mm, try to frame that bird at the zoo. Nope, not good. But then I’m trying to keep this setup small, so I won’t carry any long telephoto lenses to begin with. It’s going to be either the kit zoom or, at the most, the upcoming 12-28mm DX wide angle combined with the 50mm MC. I love wide angle photography, and with the 50 MC I will get a light tele with macro capability, very versatile, yet still small.

However, the tiny size of the j5 and its controls were to biggest issue. Simply too small. Yes, I often found myself cursing the little thing while fumbling with the controls. The z30 is heaps better there, with it’s grip, button and dial placement. So yes, I think it will make for a good secondary camera. And yes, that viewfinder bump makes the z50 that bit bigger. It protrudes on top and to the rear, no matter how I put it in the bag it makes it quite a bit thicker and requires that extra space. Plus the cheaper the better, after all this little thing will be in my bag all the time with a chance of loss/theft.

Overall the z30 is currently the hottest contender for my j5. However, I’m still waiting, in particular for the Dx 12-28mm lens to launch, perhaps as a kit with the z30? Plus my j5 still works fine, so no need to hurry.

Last thought about the z30

The z30 was expected to launch about a year ago. Instead we got the Zfc, right out of the blue.

Sometimes I wonder if Nikon changed the sequence of the launch of those two cameras at one point. The cheaper z30, aimed at a wider target audience compared to the Zfc, wouldn’t be what you want to launch during the peak time of the chip shortage, would it?

In this light launching the Zfc first and the z30 later does make sense. Look at the Sony ZV-E10, a very similar camera. It launched about a year earlier, but wasn’t really available for almost a year, due to the chip shortage. So yes, the Nikon z30 is ‘one year late’, but perhaps that was a wise decision?