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Nikon Z30 Vs D850: Comparing Two Titans Of Photography

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 Nikon Z30 is a compact and lightweight camera, while the D850 is a larger and heavier camera.
  • The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with a full-frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, and a more robust build quality.

The Nikon Z30 and D850 are two of Nikon’s most popular cameras. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but they have different features and target different audiences. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z30 and D850 to help you decide which camera is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z30 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. This means that the D850 has a larger sensor and can capture more detail than the Z30. However, the Z30’s sensor is still very good, and it can produce excellent image quality, especially in low-light conditions.

Lens Mount

The Nikon Z30 uses the Nikon Z mount, while the D850 uses the Nikon F mount. This means that you can use Z-mount lenses on the Z30, and F-mount lenses on the D850. However, you’ll need an adapter to use F-mount lenses on the Z30.

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 D850 also has a hybrid autofocus system, but it uses a different algorithm that is designed for more precise focusing.

Video

The Nikon Z30 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), while the D850 can record 4K video at 60 fps. The Z30 also has a built-in microphone, while the D850 does not.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The Nikon Z30 is a compact and lightweight camera, while the D850 is a larger and heavier camera. The Z30 is made of plastic, while the D850 is made of magnesium alloy. Both cameras have a weather-sealed design, which means that they can be used in harsh weather conditions.

Price

The Nikon Z30 is priced at $699, while the D850 is priced at $2,799. This makes the Z30 a much more affordable option for photographers on a budget.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z30 is a great choice for photographers who are looking for a compact and lightweight camera that can produce excellent image quality. It’s also a good choice for photographers who are on a budget. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with a full-frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, and a more robust build quality. It’s also a good choice for photographers who have a large collection of F-mount lenses.

Wrapping Up

The Nikon Z30 and D850 are both excellent cameras, but they have different features and target different audiences. The Z30 is a great choice for photographers who are looking for a compact and lightweight camera that can produce excellent image quality. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with a full-frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, and a more robust build quality.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the difference between the Nikon Z30 and D850?

The Nikon Z30 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. The Z30 uses the Nikon Z mount, while the D850 uses the Nikon F mount. The Z30 can record 4K video at 30 fps, while the D850 can record 4K video at 60 fps. The Z30 is priced at $699, while the D850 is priced at $2,799.

2. Which camera is better for low-light photography?

The Nikon Z30 has a better sensor for low-light photography than the D850. This is because the Z30’s sensor is larger and has a higher pixel density.

3. Which camera is better for video?

The Nikon D850 is better for video than the Z30. This is because the D850 can record 4K video at 60 fps, while the Z30 can only record 4K video at 30 fps. The D850 also has a more robust build quality, which makes it better suited for video production.

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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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