Nikon
Z30
Compact APS-C Z mount for vloggers and beginners.
$709
Launch priceReleased Jun 2022
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Z8 is 10 months newer.
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Wins
Z30
Wins
Z8
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ30 has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 11 fps)
- BZ8 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 29.97 fps)
- BZ8 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 209)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z30
128 × 74 × 60 mm
405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
Z30 is 16mm narrower, 45mm shorter, and 24mm thinner than Z8.
Z30 is 415 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Z30 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z30
128 × 74 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z30
128 × 60 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z30
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z30
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z8
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z30
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128, 73.5, 59.5
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight
405 g vs 820 g — lower is better
AA filter
Only Z30 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -4.5 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, SD UHS-II
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z30
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Vlog features
- ✓Compact
Cons
- –No EVF
- –No IBIS
- –Single slot
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z30 and Z8 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Z30 or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z30 — 45.7MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the Z30 and Z8?
Z30 is 20.8 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z30 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
Z30 does not have IBIS, while Z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z30 or the Z8?
Z30 reaches 11 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z30 and Z8?
Z30 weighs 405 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the Z30 is 415 g lighter.
Do the Z30 and Z8 record 4K video?
Z30: 4K up to 29.97p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z30 and Z8 weather sealed?
Z30: No. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 330 shots (CIPA) for the Z30 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the Z8 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z30 launched at $709 and Z8 at $3,999. The Z30 is $3,290 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z30 vs Z8 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.