Finally someone intelligent and sane! Well done! I just don't understand why EVERYONE keep repeating the same damn thing : "It's not for photography becuase it does not have EVF"!!!! WTF! And we're in the Era of freaking smartphone photography... This Z30 is easily one of the best looking and most comfortable cameras on the market right now. I've handled Fujifilm and Sony ones but this one is just on a another dimension for ergonomics and that feel-good sense when you holding it in your hand. I was debating between Sony A6600 and Nikon Z30 but now I can say I'm 90% sure I will go with Z30. For just over $1000 you can get this beauty in a TWO LENS kit, 16-50 and 50-250! It's insane!
Yes, finally someone have a correct sense on comment it, not only the EVF, but the flip monitor is another great feature for power saving and turning off the touch function specially via street photography Using user setting dial to control the camera, this turns into a ready to go snap camera
Bang On. The Z30 is a terrific stills camera. I have the Z5, but was looking for a smaller , lighter camera just for street photography. Looked at the FujiVI, hyped to hell, way to expensive, the the Ricoh GRIII, still too expensive, a grand plus, no way. Then looked at the Nikon Z30, the more I researched, the more it made sense to purchase it. Absolutely no regrets. It's so much fun to use, having been used to the Nikon way of doing things, I had no learning curve, straight out, taking images. It brings a smile to my face every time I go out. One thing I did get was the smallrig base plate, cause I have large hands, it just made it better to handle. Best bit, got mine for less than £500 used, plus the 24mm Z DX Lens again used for £180, an absolute steal.
Hi, I know this video is a year old now, but I JUST ordered this camera and I'm watching reviews on it when I came across yours. I'm glad I did... I've had some concerns but your review has eased my mind a little. I'm going to be using it more for video (vlogging and indoor video recording for TH-cam), but I will still be doing some photography. I've heard complaints about overheating and the battery life not being that great, but... I'll see how things go when I get it. It's a shame you're selling it because I would've liked to have seen more videos about the Z30. Great review though! Cheers!
I like the idea. I switched from Fuji to Z because I find the Fuji feels cheap in my hands. With some presets on the Nikon you have the Fuji images. But there is also more to explore. I'm thinking about buying the Z30 for travel.... together with a Voigt it must be a solid kit.
I'm looking at this for street, because the X-E4 is discontinued and so it the EOS M6II. I still have my Fuji lenses for if they release something I want to buy, but rn the Z30 and 24f1.7 looks like it does everything I need. Cool to see some people actually using it. Nikon shooters are the quietest. ✌️
Great interesting view on the Z30... I have it, I love it! Totally agree about the 16-50 quality... What I didn't think about is the optical finder for the top. I have the Nikon 28mm and wondering how well it would work with one of those viewfinders... Ya got me Thinking!!!
The one I use is very cheap, which is fine I only need it to frame my shot and it's very accurate. Just keep in mind the viewfinder area is going to be in FF equivalent, so if you put a 28mm lens on a Z30 you would actually need a 40mm viewfinder 👍
@@joe_tographer I got a LICHIFIT 40mm External Optical Side Axis Viewfinder today... I have worked with it yet other than to put it on the Z30. But I think it's gonna be great for what I wanted it for... thanks again!
best review of this camera, thank you. I was shooting film on Bessa r4a (My fav) with CV 25mm snapshot skopar, and leica m4-p, tried a fuji x20 (complete crap), now im shooting my Nikon D50 which is awesome but want to carry smaller. Looked at x-e1, Mk6, and this and leaning this with a viewfinder also plus it looks bad ass. The snapshot skopar is awesome bc you can feel the focus clicks without even looking. What didnt you like about the x-e4? Why is the z30 better for pictures? Thanks
I have a7iv for my clients / important personal projects. And I didn’t want to carry my heavy rig around on streets/vacations/adventures. Purchased Sony ZV-1 and thought it was “cool” but after a week I can tell it just wasn’t enough for me. I was starting to force myself to like it. Found out about the z30 and after some research, for only $50 more (Black Friday sales) I returned the zv-1 and got the z30. Can’t wait to try it when it arrives
It certainly fills a home that I think Nikon and Canon have been neglecting, it has a lot of potential as long as you don't allow yourself to get hung up on what critics tell you this camera is for
Did you think about the z50? I think it's the same sensor as well with a flip-up screen. Maybe not as good video specs. I like Nikon and have thought about the z50 before. I've recently gotten interested in street photography and this video has me thinking about the z50 again.
I shot the Z50 for video work at my job the past few years, it's a great little camera but, and I know I sound shallow, I just don't like the way it looks personally which to me is important. But it's still functionally great and definitely over performs for its price point!
I love this video. I’m a beginner to this ended up with a z50 and a z30 and I think you’re talking to the right demographic. Before I started I spent hours and hours on this and that but this body with its kit lenses are amazing. It’s great in the hand. fun to shoot, and all in all a great experience in my short time of shooting. Thanks so much for this review. I got this for my gf and we plan on getting out and shooting together. Keep up the videos i love your perspective.
Yes. Z30 great underrated camera. I own z50. Great cam. Planned to upgrade to full frame soon. Either z6-3 or z6-2 if z6-3 use only fully articulating screen.
The 20MP sensor in Z30 is an evolution of the D500 sensor with PDAF, which has respectable low light and low noise (better than most APS-C sensors as the pixel pitch is wider than 24mp aps-c. The kit lens is good also. I am still deciding between the z30 and the zfc. Both have articulating screen, but only one has evf. While I have the Nikon Z5 FX camera already with its kit, I am thinking a lighter camera for daily walkarounds with kit lens, then adding the z 18-140mm for more zoom in a small kit. Thanks for a honest review!
It is essentially using the Nikon D500 sensor which by all metrics is a professional level APS-C sensor. The disadvantage is in its af system which lags behind the DSLR. Currently the new ZFc is nearly on par with the D500 with its new processor and firmware. The Z cameras are ahead in terms of video. That's likely why it still isn't taken seriously b/c it's still working off sensor technology from 2016. Nikon has yet to produce a new APS-C sensor. That being said, they're likely to produce a stacked APS-C sensor as its first official APS-C, Z mount sensor in the near future. I don't think we'll see anything this summer Olympics. The new tech Nikon has is in the Z8 and Z9. Everything else is running off the D850, D750/D780, and D500 sensors. The D750 came out in 2014. I'm expecting the next bodies to be true second generation Z technology or rather first generation.
Finally someone intelligent and sane! Well done! I just don't understand why EVERYONE keep repeating the same damn thing : "It's not for photography becuase it does not have EVF"!!!! WTF!
And we're in the Era of freaking smartphone photography...
This Z30 is easily one of the best looking and most comfortable cameras on the market right now. I've handled Fujifilm and Sony ones but this one is just on a another dimension for ergonomics and that feel-good sense when you holding it in your hand.
I was debating between Sony A6600 and Nikon Z30 but now I can say I'm 90% sure I will go with Z30. For just over $1000 you can get this beauty in a TWO LENS kit, 16-50 and 50-250! It's insane!
Yes, finally someone have a correct sense on comment it, not only the EVF, but the flip monitor is another great feature for power saving and turning off the touch function specially via street photography
Using user setting dial to control the camera, this turns into a ready to go snap camera
Exactly. I shoot a lot close to the ground, from the hip, and from above my head, so not having EVF is not going to make a lot of difference.
Bang On. The Z30 is a terrific stills camera. I have the Z5, but was looking for a smaller , lighter camera just for street photography. Looked at the FujiVI, hyped to hell, way to expensive, the the Ricoh GRIII, still too expensive, a grand plus, no way. Then looked at the Nikon Z30, the more I researched, the more it made sense to purchase it. Absolutely no regrets. It's so much fun to use, having been used to the Nikon way of doing things, I had no learning curve, straight out, taking images. It brings a smile to my face every time I go out. One thing I did get was the smallrig base plate, cause I have large hands, it just made it better to handle. Best bit, got mine for less than £500 used, plus the 24mm Z DX Lens again used for £180, an absolute steal.
This is the feedback I needed to hear. Thanks!
you can use nikon picture controls and you can upload to your nikon camera film simulations.
Hi, I know this video is a year old now, but I JUST ordered this camera and I'm watching reviews on it when I came across yours. I'm glad I did... I've had some concerns but your review has eased my mind a little. I'm going to be using it more for video (vlogging and indoor video recording for TH-cam), but I will still be doing some photography. I've heard complaints about overheating and the battery life not being that great, but... I'll see how things go when I get it. It's a shame you're selling it because I would've liked to have seen more videos about the Z30. Great review though! Cheers!
I wind up buying it too!
I like the idea. I switched from Fuji to Z because I find the Fuji feels cheap in my hands. With some presets on the Nikon you have the Fuji images. But there is also more to explore.
I'm thinking about buying the Z30 for travel.... together with a Voigt it must be a solid kit.
I'm looking at this for street, because the X-E4 is discontinued and so it the EOS M6II. I still have my Fuji lenses for if they release something I want to buy, but rn the Z30 and 24f1.7 looks like it does everything I need.
Cool to see some people actually using it. Nikon shooters are the quietest. ✌️
Yeah that lens was a great edition to the Z lineup, like a comfy x100v
Nice. I have a Z9 but can't lug it around for video. I may get the Z30 before the Cherry Blossom festival in DC.
Can't recommend it enough
great idea with the viewfinder!
Love the honest review I'm buying one!
Where i can find this cute viewfinder
Great video and thank you for put out the great work, Joe! I very enjoy your Nikon Z30 video and professional honesty.
Amazing review thank you
Great interesting view on the Z30... I have it, I love it! Totally agree about the 16-50 quality... What I didn't think about is the optical finder for the top. I have the Nikon 28mm and wondering how well it would work with one of those viewfinders... Ya got me Thinking!!!
The one I use is very cheap, which is fine I only need it to frame my shot and it's very accurate. Just keep in mind the viewfinder area is going to be in FF equivalent, so if you put a 28mm lens on a Z30 you would actually need a 40mm viewfinder 👍
@@joe_tographer I got a LICHIFIT 40mm External Optical Side Axis Viewfinder today... I have worked with it yet other than to put it on the Z30. But I think it's gonna be great for what I wanted it for... thanks again!
@@davemil716 Can you tell me where you got the viewfinder, I'm getting the Z30 tomorrow. 12/12/23
Can u give link to viewfinder
That hotshoe ovf, where did u get it. Can u share the link.
best review of this camera, thank you. I was shooting film on Bessa r4a (My fav) with CV 25mm snapshot skopar, and leica m4-p, tried a fuji x20 (complete crap), now im shooting my Nikon D50 which is awesome but want to carry smaller. Looked at x-e1, Mk6, and this and leaning this with a viewfinder also plus it looks bad ass. The snapshot skopar is awesome bc you can feel the focus clicks without even looking. What didnt you like about the x-e4? Why is the z30 better for pictures? Thanks
I have a7iv for my clients / important personal projects. And I didn’t want to carry my heavy rig around on streets/vacations/adventures. Purchased Sony ZV-1 and thought it was “cool” but after a week I can tell it just wasn’t enough for me. I was starting to force myself to like it. Found out about the z30 and after some research, for only $50 more (Black Friday sales) I returned the zv-1 and got the z30. Can’t wait to try it when it arrives
Sooo I wind up buying the Z30 after re-watching your review. It's a great little camera and very capable.
Glad you're enjoying it!
Where can i buy that view finder?
@@AnthonyKennethIrreverre if you search on eBay or amazon it's the cheapest result
I like the fact that the Z30 has the talley light
Where do you get that view finder and what's the name and cost?
I just searched 28mm viewfinder on eBay and bought the cheapest one
I am a canon user but I think the z30 is sooo cool man!
It certainly fills a home that I think Nikon and Canon have been neglecting, it has a lot of potential as long as you don't allow yourself to get hung up on what critics tell you this camera is for
Between nikon z30 and sony a6400, which one is better?
@@dedera64 I've never used a Sony but my guess is it depends on which menu system and control layout you personally prefer
Did you think about the z50? I think it's the same sensor as well with a flip-up screen. Maybe not as good video specs. I like Nikon and have thought about the z50 before. I've recently gotten interested in street photography and this video has me thinking about the z50 again.
I shot the Z50 for video work at my job the past few years, it's a great little camera but, and I know I sound shallow, I just don't like the way it looks personally which to me is important. But it's still functionally great and definitely over performs for its price point!
@@joe_tographer the in camera sound on the Z30 is really good and natural sounding.
@joejasper Would you recommend the Z50 over the Z30 for photography? Just in terms of shooting and not merely for video.
@@vegchicacooks2701 this is just my opinion but I like a viewfinder on my camera so I would choose the z50
A big question , z30 or z50 for a first camera?
Probably Z50, more or less the same thing but the 50 has an evf (electronic viewfinder) which i say is worth it
Id you absolutley need an evf you should maybe take up another hobby.@joe_tographer
I love this video. I’m a beginner to this ended up with a z50 and a z30 and I think you’re talking to the right demographic. Before I started I spent hours and hours on this and that but this body with its kit lenses are amazing. It’s great in the hand. fun to shoot, and all in all a great experience in my short time of shooting. Thanks so much for this review. I got this for my gf and we plan on getting out and shooting together. Keep up the videos i love your perspective.
Both great cameras, I think you'll enjoy! Thanks for tuning in :)
Unless you prefocus your manual lens that's on the Z30, you are practically shooting "blind" on the OVF?
Yep pretty much, just have to spend some time with whichever lens you choose
Great video and some solid images you snagged with the Nikon. Keep up the great work, brotha !
PS
Fuji is better 🤪🤪🤪🤪😉
Haters gonna hate 😎
Yes. Z30 great underrated camera. I own z50. Great cam. Planned to upgrade to full frame soon. Either z6-3 or z6-2 if z6-3 use only fully articulating screen.
The Z30 is my daily walk around camera.
Specially when I don't want to carry a heavier full frame Z.
Are you gonna keep your xpro 2.
Nope 🫢
@@joe_tographer lol
@@joe_tographer LOLOL 😆🫢
The 20MP sensor in Z30 is an evolution of the D500 sensor with PDAF, which has respectable low light and low noise (better than most APS-C sensors as the pixel pitch is wider than 24mp aps-c. The kit lens is good also. I am still deciding between the z30 and the zfc. Both have articulating screen, but only one has evf. While I have the Nikon Z5 FX camera already with its kit, I am thinking a lighter camera for daily walkarounds with kit lens, then adding the z 18-140mm for more zoom in a small kit. Thanks for a honest review!
Zfc's lack of any kind of grip bothers me, even the external one isn't very comfortable. But that's just me, good luck with your search
@@joe_tographer Thanks for your video on Z30, I decided to go with Z30 and 18-140mm for travel. Also got a deal for combo body and lens.
"Way back in the day" You know like last May :)
Hi, which external viewfinder did you find on eBay?
No idea tbh, I bought the cheapest one I could find, was something like $18.99
Link for the viewfinder ?
If you search 28mm external viewfinder on ebay or Amazon, it's the cheapest option
Nikon z 30 is a great still camera very sharp in my opinion better than canon full frame not as sharp as Nikon z 30
It underrated
Casual Tahu
It is essentially using the Nikon D500 sensor which by all metrics is a professional level APS-C sensor.
The disadvantage is in its af system which lags behind the DSLR. Currently the new ZFc is nearly on par with the D500 with its new processor and firmware. The Z cameras are ahead in terms of video.
That's likely why it still isn't taken seriously b/c it's still working off sensor technology from 2016.
Nikon has yet to produce a new APS-C sensor. That being said, they're likely to produce a stacked APS-C sensor as its first official APS-C, Z mount sensor in the near future.
I don't think we'll see anything this summer Olympics. The new tech Nikon has is in the Z8 and Z9.
Everything else is running off the D850, D750/D780, and D500 sensors. The D750 came out in 2014.
I'm expecting the next bodies to be true second generation Z technology or rather first generation.
🤣 That old man definitely flipped you the bird 😭😭😭😭
Bro what The flash is This
That viewfinder ,i guess
I js unboxed this lol
Good camara i one week use this z30 ..👌🏻🔥❤️good photography camara... Or video 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
This camera could be good candidate for Infrared photography .