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Nikon Z30 Vs D5300: Battle Of The Entry-level Cameras

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use, takes great photos and videos, and has a wide range of features, then the Nikon Z30 is a great option.
  • If you are on a tight budget or you want a camera that can use both F-mount and Z-mount lenses, then the Nikon D5300 is a good choice.

The Nikon Z30 and D5300 are two popular entry-level DSLRs that offer a great balance of features and affordability. Both cameras are capable of taking great photos and videos, but there are some key differences between them that you should consider before making a purchase.

Sensor

The Nikon Z30 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D5300 has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. Both sensors are capable of producing high-quality images, but the D5300’s sensor has a slight edge in terms of resolution.

Lens Mount

The Nikon Z30 uses the new Nikon Z mount, while the D5300 uses the traditional Nikon F mount. This means that the Z30 can only use Z-mount lenses, while the D5300 can use both F-mount and Z-mount lenses.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z30 has a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. This system is very fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions. The D5300 has a phase-detection autofocus system that is also very good, but it is not as fast or as accurate as the Z30’s autofocus system.

Video

The Nikon Z30 can record 4K UHD video at 30fps, while the D5300 can only record 1080p Full HD video at 60fps. The Z30 also has a built-in microphone jack, while the D5300 does not.

Build Quality

The Nikon Z30 is a very well-built camera, with a magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and durable. The D5300 is also well-built, but it uses a plastic body that is not as durable as the Z30’s magnesium alloy body.

Price

The Nikon Z30 is priced at $699, while the D5300 is priced at $599. This makes the Z30 a slightly more expensive option, but it offers a number of advantages over the D5300, such as a better autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a built-in microphone jack.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z30 and D5300 are both great cameras for beginners, but they offer different features and benefits. The Z30 is a more advanced camera with a better autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a built-in microphone jack. The D5300 is a more affordable option with a slightly higher resolution sensor and the ability to use both F-mount and Z-mount lenses.

Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use, takes great photos and videos, and has a wide range of features, then the Nikon Z30 is a great option. If you are on a tight budget or you want a camera that can use both F-mount and Z-mount lenses, then the Nikon D5300 is a good choice.

Verdict

The Nikon Z30 is the better camera overall, but it is also more expensive than the D5300. If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use, takes great photos and videos, and has a wide range of features, then the Nikon Z30 is a great option. If you are on a tight budget or you want a camera that can use both F-mount and Z-mount lenses, then the Nikon D5300 is a good choice.

Final Thoughts

Both the Nikon Z30 and D5300 are great cameras for beginners, but they offer different features and benefits. The best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?

A: The Nikon Z30 has a better autofocus system than the D5300. The Z30 uses a hybrid autofocus system that is very fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions. The D5300 has a phase-detection autofocus system that is also very good, but it is not as fast or as accurate as the Z30’s autofocus system.

Q: Which camera can record 4K video?

A: The Nikon Z30 can record 4K UHD video at 30fps, while the D5300 can only record 1080p Full HD video at 60fps.

Q: Which camera has a built-in microphone jack?

A: The Nikon Z30 has a built-in microphone jack, while the D5300 does not.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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