Nikon
Z30
Compact APS-C Z mount for vloggers and beginners.
$709
Launch priceReleased Jun 2022
Nikon
Z fc
Retro APS-C Z camera with dial controls and compact style.
$999
Launch priceReleased Jun 2021
Z30 is 1 year newer.
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Wins
Z30
Wins
Z fc
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ fc has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 100 fps)
- AZ30 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (330 shots vs 300 shots)
- BZ fc has lower Weight (390 g vs 405 g)
- BZ fc has higher Resolution (20.9 MP vs 20.8 MP)
- BZ fc has higher 4K max frame rate (30 fps vs 29.97 fps)
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
Z fc
135 × 94 × 44 mm
390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz)
Z30 is 7mm narrower and 20mm shorter than Z fc but it is also 16mm thicker.
Z30 is 15 g heavier than Z fc.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Z30 · 44mm Z fc
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z30
128 × 74 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z fc
135 × 94 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
Z fc
135 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z30
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Z fc
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z30
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z fc
✓ 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
Codecs
Adds H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128, 73.5, 59.5
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Battery life (CIPA)
330 shots vs 300 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z fc
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.5, 93.5, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 100 fps — higher is better
Weight
390 g vs 405 g — lower is better
Resolution
20.9 MP vs 20.8 MP — higher is better
4K max frame rate
30 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 209
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
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
Z fc
Pros
- ✓Retro design
- ✓Compact
- ✓Good JPEG
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older sensor
- –Limited grip
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z30 and Z fc at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, Z30 or Z fc?
Z fc scores 5.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Z30 — 390g — easy to handhold for selfie video.
What's the resolution difference between the Z30 and Z fc?
Z30 is 20.8 MP and Z fc is 20.9 MP, so the Z fc captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the Z30 and Z fc?
Z30 does not have IBIS, while Z fc does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z30 or the Z fc?
Z30 reaches 11 fps electronic. Z fc reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z30 and Z fc?
Z30 weighs 405 g and Z fc weighs 390 g, so the Z fc is 15 g lighter.
Do the Z30 and Z fc record 4K video?
Z30: 4K up to 29.97p. Z fc: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Z30 and Z fc weather sealed?
Z30: No. Z fc: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 330 shots (CIPA) for the Z30 and 300 shots for the Z fc, giving the Z30 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z30 launched at $709 and Z fc at $999. The Z30 is $290 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z30 vs Z fc vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.