• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    59 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    390g vs 714g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon Z5

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z5
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic S5 II
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $924
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z fc
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $924
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Fujifilm X-T30 II

Nikon Z 30
Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Longer video battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic S5 II
Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Nikon Z 30
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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