Nikon Z30 w/16-50mm Lens

Let's start out by saying I am - or was - an Electronic Viewfinder Photographer.I preferred the viewfinder and even though could use the rear screen Live View, it seemed not as precise or comfortable. This was true even with the Zfc (which is similar in size and screen as the Z30) . I preferred and almost exclusively used the EV.With the Z30, I have discovered the joys of using the screen. Although I am not entirely comfortable or see as exactly as peering through the EV, I find I can take shots much quicker and I am much more creative with my shots. Being able articulate the screen rather than my head & body really has freed me to become a much more intuitive & creative shooter.So, even though I ordered this & the Zfc to compare the two for a backup / video ... MoreLet's start out by saying I am - or was - an Electronic Viewfinder Photographer.I preferred the viewfinder and even though could use the rear screen Live View, it seemed not as precise or comfortable. This was true even with the Zfc (which is similar in size and screen as the Z30) . I preferred and almost exclusively used the EV.With the Z30, I have discovered the joys of using the screen. Although I am not entirely comfortable or see as exactly as peering through the EV, I find I can take shots much quicker and I am much more creative with my shots. Being able articulate the screen rather than my head & body really has freed me to become a much more intuitive & creative shooter.So, even though I ordered this & the Zfc to compare the two for a backup / video camera (I have a Z7ii as main), I quickly leaned to the Z30 for all its compact advantages. I am loving this camera.I find its a great camera even with the larger Z lens. I particularly enjoy using it when going macro with the Z 105mm. The articulating screen and lack of EV speeds up the adjusting & placement portion of my macro adjustments. It is also a good carry lens with the Z 24-120 and Z14-30.Overall, this camera performs extremely well and I can highly recommend as a first camera for a newer shooter or as a inexpensive backup & video camera to an existing kit.

The Z30 is a beginner level camera but offers lots features seen in other cameras in the Nikon range, and would make a good upgrade for someone using a smart phone for their photos and videos.The camera shoots 4K video using the full sensor which is not the case with some rivals. This gives good framing with the supplied lens. Using the image stabilisation, which you might need if you're recording on the move, causes the image to be cropped, so a gimbal would be useful if your videos are active.The body is made from magnesium-allow and feels really sturdy. The grip is comfortable whichever side of the camera you are on.There's no viewfinder so you'll be making use of the variable angle screen to frame your shots. It's very adjustable so you should be able to ... MoreThe Z30 is a beginner level camera but offers lots features seen in other cameras in the Nikon range, and would make a good upgrade for someone using a smart phone for their photos and videos.The camera shoots 4K video using the full sensor which is not the case with some rivals. This gives good framing with the supplied lens. Using the image stabilisation, which you might need if you're recording on the move, causes the image to be cropped, so a gimbal would be useful if your videos are active.The body is made from magnesium-allow and feels really sturdy. The grip is comfortable whichever side of the camera you are on.There's no viewfinder so you'll be making use of the variable angle screen to frame your shots. It's very adjustable so you should be able to angle it in the right place. It's a touchscreen but you can also use the buttons and dials on the body. I initially struggled to memorise how to adjust all the settings but I think this would improve over time as you get used to what you regularly tweak.The screen goes into a selfie mode when flipped around, showing simple on-screen controls to make using the touch screen easier when recording yourself. There's also a tally lamp to easily see if the camera is recording.One downside is that there's no headphone jack. This means the only way to monitor the audio whilst recording is via the level indicators on the screen.I've found the camera enjoyable to use, and appreciate that it can grow with me as I learn more about photography and video recording.

This is a great 'Streetshooter' that is compact, subtle, lightweight, feels great ergonomically and looks beautiful.The camera offers great image quality even in low light and captures colors well in landscape and urban settings. It has an impressive autofocus - face, eyes and object detection is on point. It has high quality video specs which provide crisp and clean video content.The onboard audio is also solid. The lens which is interchangeable is really good and gives super wide & close ups in one. The camera battery charges very quickly. A nice touch, which I love with the camera, is the flip out screen to the side. This can be rotated without causing any obstruction and allows you to capture low and high angle shots.The screen on the back has touch ... MoreThis is a great 'Streetshooter' that is compact, subtle, lightweight, feels great ergonomically and looks beautiful.The camera offers great image quality even in low light and captures colors well in landscape and urban settings. It has an impressive autofocus - face, eyes and object detection is on point. It has high quality video specs which provide crisp and clean video content.The onboard audio is also solid. The lens which is interchangeable is really good and gives super wide & close ups in one. The camera battery charges very quickly. A nice touch, which I love with the camera, is the flip out screen to the side. This can be rotated without causing any obstruction and allows you to capture low and high angle shots.The screen on the back has touch functionality. Its really easy to operate. The camera has a wireless function so you can transfer your photos and videos to your phone from the camera using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The optional handle is handy to use as a vlogging stick and the Bluetooth remote allows you to control the camera from far away.This camera does not have a viewfinder (EVF) or flash. The benefit of the camera having a flat top means these can be bought separately and cheaply as an accessory if you need it. Whilst there is an input for an external microphone, there is no headphone output, so you cannot monitor your audio.The camera is a dream to use. What's not to love. For Vlogging, YouTube content creators and just overall video, this camera smashes it. It is great as a lifestyle, sports or wildlife camera. There is a lot of potential in the camera system and I would recommend investing some time learning how to get the most of it.