Friday, July 1, 2022

Nikon Releases Z30 Mirrorless Camera

 
To a great deal of fanfare Nikon has announced the release of its new compact Z30 mirrorless camera.  While Nikon is advertising it as "creator ready," the term is here clearly meant to apply to influencers and vloggers rather than professional photographers.  Still, what's being offered the user is definitely impressive: 4K video with a generous 125 minute time limit (subject to shutoff if the camera overheats), 120p slow motion, in-camera time lapse, live streaming up to 60p, eye-detect AF mode, auto area AF mode, built-in stereo mic (with optional wind muffs and external mic available as add-ons), and e-VR video image stabilization.  There's also an AC power adapter (the optional UC-E25 cable is sold separately) and an optional Bluetooth remote.  On the inside, the DX CMOS sensor measures 23.5x15.7 to produce an effective image size of 20.8mpx.

The Z30's one great drawback as far as I'm concerned, and the one most likely to deter me from purchasing it, is the lack of an electronic viewfinder.  The need to frame shots solely through the rear LCD screen effectively makes this a point & shoot camera no matter how impressive its specs.  But then again professional photographers are not the Z30's targeted customer base, which makes it all the more curious that a camera intended for enthusiasts should lack a built-in flash.  Even vloggers must want to take a still photo sometime.

Considering its specs, the Z30, already available for pre-order at B&H, is competitively priced at $706.95 for body alone, $849.95 with a Z-mount DX 16-50 lens, and $1199.95 with the 16-50 lens plus and additional Z-mount DX 50-250 lens.  For $146.95 more users can purchase a Creator's Accessory Kit that contains a tripod grip, a Rode VideoMicro shotgun microphone, and a Nikon ML-L7 Bluetooth remote control.

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