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Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Nikon Z30

nikon z30
Winner!
72%

Sony a5000

Sony A5000
51%
Nikon Z30
vs
Sony a5000
Price
Brand
Nikon
Sony
Model
Z30
a5000
Released
2022
2014
Announcement Date
June 29, 2022
January 07, 2014
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 with a score of 72/100 compared to the Sony’s 51/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar features. However, the Nikon Z30, released in 2022, has a launch price of $710, while the older Sony a5000 from 2014 costs $500.

The Nikon Z30’s advantages include its larger size (128 x 74 x 60mm) and heavier weight (405g / 0.89lbs), which may provide better stability and grip. On the other hand, the Sony a5000 is more compact (110 x 63 x 36mm) and lighter (269g / 0.59lbs), making it more portable for those who prioritize mobility.

Despite the higher price, the Nikon Z30 delivers better performance and features, justifying its higher score. Meanwhile, the Sony a5000 might be a suitable choice for those on a budget and looking for a lightweight, compact camera.

Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z30 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 72/100, while the Sony a5000 scores 60/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 20-megapixel resolution, CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. However, the differences between the two cameras contribute to the Nikon Z30’s superior performance.

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 in several key aspects. It boasts a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the Sony a5000’s 3.5 frames per second. Additionally, the Z30 is equipped with the Expeed 6 processor, which is more advanced than the Sony a5000’s Bionz X processor. The Z30’s sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 97, compared to the Sony a5000’s score of 79. Furthermore, the Nikon Z30 features a Nikon Z lens mount, which offers a wider selection of lenses compared to the Sony E mount on the a5000.

On the other hand, the Sony a5000 has a few advantages over the Nikon Z30. Its compact size and lighter weight make it more portable and easier to handle. However, these benefits are minor compared to the significant performance improvements offered by the Nikon Z30.

Based on the optics comparison, the Nikon Z30 is the clear winner, offering faster shooting speeds, a more advanced processor, and a better sensor. The Sony a5000’s advantages in size and weight are not enough to compensate for its inferior performance. Therefore, the Nikon Z30 is the superior choice for those seeking a camera with excellent optics and performance.

Optics
Optics
72%
60%
Megapixels
20 MP
20 MP
Image Resolution
5568 x 3712 px
5456 x 3632 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.7 mm
15.4 x 23.2 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
11 fps
3.5 fps
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Sony E
Image Processor
Expeed 6
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
16,000
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
204800
16000
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
209
25
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
None
None

Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Video Performance

The Nikon Z30 outperforms the Sony a5000 in video capabilities, scoring 91 out of 100, while the Sony a5000 scores 70. Both cameras share some features, such as built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.

The Nikon Z30 excels in video quality by offering 4K resolution, which is significantly higher than the Sony a5000’s Full HD resolution. This results in sharper and more detailed videos, making the Nikon Z30 a superior choice for videographers. Additionally, the Z30’s maximum video dimensions are 3841 x 2160, providing a larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to the a5000’s 1920 x 1080 dimensions. The Z30 also boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling smooth slow-motion capture, whereas the a5000 is limited to 60fps.

On the other hand, the Sony a5000’s advantage lies in its lower-resolution Full HD video, which requires less storage space and processing power for editing. This can be beneficial for users who prioritize storage capacity and do not require the higher resolution offered by the Nikon Z30.

In terms of video capabilities, the Nikon Z30 is the clear winner with its 4K resolution, larger video dimensions, and higher frame rate. The Sony a5000 is still a viable option for those who prefer lower-resolution video and require less storage space. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the user’s specific needs and priorities in video quality and storage requirements.

Video
Video
91%
70%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
3841 x 2160 px
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MPEG-4, MOV
MP4

Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Features and Benefits

The Nikon Z30 emerges as the winner in this comparison with a feature score of 83/100, significantly outperforming the Sony a5000, which has a score of 37/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, no GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Nikon Z30 surpasses the Sony a5000 in several aspects, making it the better option.

The Nikon Z30 boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the Sony a5000’s 460,800 dots. This results in a clearer, more detailed display for the user. Additionally, the Nikon Z30 has a touchscreen, allowing for more intuitive control and easier navigation through menus. The Sony a5000 lacks this feature. Furthermore, the Nikon Z30 comes with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless file transfers and remote control. The Sony a5000 does not have this feature.

In contrast, the Sony a5000 does not offer any distinct advantages over the Nikon Z30 in terms of features. Both cameras have a flip screen, but the Nikon Z30’s is of higher quality due to its superior resolution and touchscreen capabilities. They also share the absence of GPS and the presence of WIFI connectivity.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon Z30 clearly stands out as the superior camera in terms of features. It offers a better screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity, while the Sony a5000 fails to present any significant advantages. Buyers seeking a camera with a strong feature set will find the Nikon Z30 to be the better choice.

Features
Features
83%
37%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,040,000 dots
460,800 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 Storage and Battery

The Nikon Z30 triumphs over the Sony a5000 in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to 24/100. Both cameras share similarities in having one memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a5000 also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, giving it an edge in storage versatility.

Despite the Sony a5000 having a longer battery life of 420 shots compared to the Nikon Z30’s 330 shots, the Nikon Z30 still prevails overall. This is primarily due to its USB charging capability, which the Sony a5000 lacks. The ability to charge via USB provides the Nikon Z30 with a convenient and accessible charging option, making it more practical for on-the-go photography.

While the Sony a5000’s longer battery life and additional memory card compatibility are notable advantages, they are not sufficient to outweigh the benefits offered by the Nikon Z30’s USB charging feature. As a result, the Nikon Z30 emerges as the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
35%
24%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
EN-EL25
NP-FW50
Battery Life
330 shots
420 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
N/A
79%
Portrait (Color Depth)
N/A
23.8 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
N/A
13 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
N/A
1089
Scores

Nikon Z30 vs Sony a5000 – Our Verdict

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z30 or the Sony a5000:

User Scores
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