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Nikon Z8vsNikon Z 30: Which is Better?

The Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z 30 share the same Nikon Z lens mount, but they are built for entirely different users. The Z8 is a professional powerhouse with full-frame capability, while the Z 30 is a compact, lightweight option designed for casual creators.

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Intro

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Best for

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Biggest differences

  • Weight

    Nikon Z 30 leads

    2.25×

    lower is better

    • Nikon Z8910 g
    • Nikon Z 30405 g

  • Effective pixels

    Nikon Z8 leads

    2.19×

    higher is better

    • Nikon Z845.7 MP
    • Nikon Z 3020.9 MP

  • 4K max frame rate

    Nikon Z8 leads

    4×

    higher is better

    • Nikon Z8120 fps
    • Nikon Z 3030 fps

  • 4K max frame rate (full width)

    Nikon Z8 leads

    4×

    higher is better

    • Nikon Z8120 fps
    • Nikon Z 3030 fps

Where each one wins

  • Nikon Z8

    • Effective pixels
    • Sensor format
    • Sensor type
    • Max video resolution
    • 4K max frame rate
    • 4K max frame rate (full width)
    • Viewfinder resolution
    • Screen size
    • Screen articulation
    • Rear screen resolution
    • Memory card slots
    • Minimum operating temperature
    • HDMI port type

  • Nikon Z 30

    • Native ISO maximum
    • Weight
    • Width
    • Height
    • Depth

What both have

  • Lens mountNikon Z
  • Aspect ratios3:2, 1:1, 16:9
  • USB charging & power delivery✓

Every spec

Red marks the better value in each row.

SpecNikon Z8Nikon Z 30
Overview

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Overview specs

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Release date2023-05Not published
Launch price3,999.95 USDNot published
Lens mountNikon ZNikon Z
High resolution pixel-shift modeYesNot published
Sensor & Image

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Sensor & Image specs

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Effective pixels45.7 MP20.9 MP
Sensor formatFull-frameAPS-C1
Native ISO maximum25,600 ISO51,200 ISO2
In-body image stabilization5.5 stops3Not published
Sensor readout speedNot publishedNot published
Sensor typeStacked CMOSCMOS
Aspect ratios3:2, 1:1, 16:93:2, 1:1, 16:94
Lens & Autofocus

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Lens & Autofocus specs

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Continuous shooting (mechanical)Not published11 fps5
Continuous shooting (electronic)30 fps6Not published
Max mechanical shutter speedNot published4,000 1/s
Pre-burst capture duration300 s7Not published
AF subject detectionHuman, animal, bird, train, airplane, motorcycle, vehicle—
Video

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Video specs

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Max video resolution8K4K
4K max frame rate120 fps30 fps
Video codecsH.264, HEVC, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes RAW, N-RAWH.264
4K max frame rate (full width)120 fps30 fps
Raw video recordingInternalNot published
Video bit depth10 bitNot published
Log profile supportYesNot published
Video dynamic range (log)Not publishedNot published
Viewfinder & Screen

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Viewfinder & Screen specs

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Viewfinder resolution3.69 M dots0 M dots8
Viewfinder magnification0.8 xNot published
Screen size3.2 in3 in
Screen articulationMulti-angle9Fully articulated
Rear screen resolution2.1 M dots1.04 M dots
Handling & Power

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Handling & Power specs

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Battery lifeNot published330 shots10
Memory card slots2 slots1 slots
Weather sealingDust and drip resistantNot published
Weight910 g405 g
Width144 mm128 mm
Height118.5 mm73.5 mm
Depth83 mm59.5 mm
USB charging & power deliveryYesYes11
Minimum operating temperature-10 °C0 °C
Headphone portYesNot published
HDMI port typeFull-sizeMini
Notes on 11 values — test conditions and caveats
  1. 1Nikon Z 30, Sensor format: DX format is Nikon's name for its APS-C-size sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm).
  2. 2Nikon Z 30, Native ISO maximum: Settings above ISO 51200 (102400, 204800) are expanded, not native.
  3. 3Nikon Z8, In-body image stabilization: The 6.0-stop figure applies only with Synchro VR-compatible Nikkor Z lenses; the standard body rating is 5.5 stops.
  4. 4Nikon Z 30, Aspect ratios: Native DX ratio is 3:2; 1:1 and 16:9 are in-camera crop modes.
  5. 5Nikon Z 30, Continuous shooting (mechanical): Nikon's in-house measured maximum; the rate is approximate.
  6. 6Nikon Z8, Continuous shooting (electronic): Full-resolution JPEG bursts reach 30 fps; 14-bit RAW bursts top out at 20 fps.
  7. 7Nikon Z8, Pre-burst capture duration: The 300 s Pre-Release Capture buffer arrived with firmware 2.0; launch firmware allowed 30 s.
  8. 8Nikon Z 30, Viewfinder resolution: The Z 30 has no electronic viewfinder; compose on the rear LCD.
  9. 9Nikon Z8, Screen articulation: Nikon's 4-axis monitor tilts both vertically and horizontally but does not swing out like a fully articulated screen.
  10. 10Nikon Z 30, Battery life: Figure is for the EN-EL25 battery; shot count differs with EN-EL25a.
  11. 11Nikon Z 30, USB charging & power delivery: In-camera USB charging/power needs Nikon's optional EH-7P or EH-8P adapter.

Image Quality and Sensor

The Nikon Z8 features a 45.7 MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor that delivers incredible detail and low-light performance. In contrast, the Nikon Z 30 uses a smaller 20.9 MP APS-C sensor, which provides a native ISO maximum of 51,200 ISO for shooting in dim environments.

For advanced shooters, the Z8 adds a high-resolution pixel-shift mode and 5.5 stops of in-body image stabilization. The Z 30 omits in-body stabilization entirely, relying on lens stabilization or steady hands.

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Image Quality and Sensor

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Video Performance

Creators looking for professional video tools will find the Nikon Z8 capable of recording 8K video and 4K at 120 fps. It also supports internal raw video recording, 10-bit color, and log profile support for graded footage.

The Nikon Z 30 maxes out at 4K video at 30 fps using the H.264 codec. It lacks internal raw video, log profiles, and 10-bit recording, making it better suited for straightforward vlogging.

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Video Performance

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Design and Handling

Weighing just 405 g, the Nikon Z 30 is exceptionally light and compact for travel. It features a fully articulated screen and a single memory card slot, but completely lacks an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon Z8 weighs 910 g and includes dual memory card slots, a dust and drip-resistant body, and a 3.69 M-dot electronic viewfinder. It also operates in colder temperatures down to -10 °C.

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Design and Handling

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The Verdict

Buy the Nikon Z8 if you need professional-grade resolution, 8K video, and rugged weather sealing. Buy the Nikon Z 30 if you want a lightweight, portable camera for everyday vlogging and travel.

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Verdict

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Where to buy

FAQ

Does the Nikon Z 30 have a built-in viewfinder?

No, the Nikon Z 30 has no electronic viewfinder, so you compose your shots using the rear LCD screen.

What kind of memory cards does the Nikon Z8 use?

The Nikon Z8 features two memory card slots for enhanced storage and backup options.

Can the Nikon Z 30 shoot raw video?

Raw video recording is not published for the Nikon Z 30.

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FAQ

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