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Nikon Z30 Vs Sony Rx100 Vii: Which Is The Ultimate Compact Camera?

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

  • The Z30 also has a more traditional DSLR-like design, with a larger grip and a dedicated mode dial.
  • The RX100 VII has a more minimalist design, with a smaller grip and a touchscreen interface.
  • The Z30 is a more affordable option with a larger sensor and better video quality, while the RX100 VII has a more versatile lens and a more compact design.

When it comes to compact cameras, the Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII are two of the most popular options on the market. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, a wide range of features, and a portable design. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII to help you decide.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z30 features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Sony RX100 VII has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor. In terms of image quality, both cameras perform very well, producing sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. However, the Z30’s larger sensor gives it a slight edge in terms of low-light performance and dynamic range.

Lens and Versatility

The Nikon Z30 has a fixed 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens, while the Sony RX100 VII has a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens. The Z30’s lens is more versatile for wide-angle shots, while the RX100 VII’s lens is more versatile for telephoto shots. However, neither camera offers the same level of versatility as a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses.

Autofocus and Performance

Both the Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII offer fast and accurate autofocus. The Z30 uses a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase detection and contrast detection, while the RX100 VII uses a contrast-detection autofocus system. In practice, both cameras focus quickly and accurately, even in low-light conditions.

The Z30 has a slightly faster continuous shooting speed of 11 fps compared to the RX100 VII’s 10 fps. However, both cameras offer a buffer that is large enough for most shooting situations.

Video Quality

Both the Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII can shoot 4K video at 30 fps. However, the Z30 has a slight edge in terms of video quality. It offers 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 color sampling, which provides more flexibility for color grading. The RX100 VII only offers 8-bit color depth and 4:2:0 color sampling.

Design and Ergonomics

The Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII are both very compact cameras, making them easy to carry around. However, the Z30 is slightly larger and heavier than the RX100 VII. The Z30 also has a more traditional DSLR-like design, with a larger grip and a dedicated mode dial. The RX100 VII has a more minimalist design, with a smaller grip and a touchscreen interface.

Price

The Nikon Z30 is priced at $749, while the Sony RX100 VII is priced at $1,199. This makes the Z30 a more affordable option for those on a budget.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

The Nikon Z30 and Sony RX100 VII are both excellent compact cameras that offer a wide range of features and excellent image quality. The Z30 is a more affordable option with a larger sensor and better video quality, while the RX100 VII has a more versatile lens and a more compact design. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?

A: The Nikon Z30 has better low-light performance due to its larger sensor.

  • Q: Which camera has a more versatile lens?

A: The Sony RX100 VII has a more versatile lens with a longer telephoto reach.

  • Q: Which camera has faster autofocus?

A: Both cameras offer fast and accurate autofocus, but the Nikon Z30 has a slightly faster continuous shooting speed.

  • Q: Which camera has better video quality?

A: The Nikon Z30 has better video quality with 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 color sampling.

  • Q: Which camera is more affordable?

A: The Nikon Z30 is more affordable than the Sony RX100 VII.

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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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