• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony RX1 advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Sony RX1

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $2398*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    2 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Full-frame, 24-megapixel sensor in a compact body; Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 T* lens; Blazing fast autofocus; Impressive image quality that rivals (and sometimes surpasses) full-frame DSLRs; Customizable function buttons make it a breeze to use.

  • Fixed-length lens limits shooting flexibility; Some exposure bias, color shift, moire and video AF issues; Viewfinders (optical or electronic) only available as optional accessories; Extremely expensive for a compact camera.

  • Read our Sony RX1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX1R

Sony RX1
Sony RX1R
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Sony RX1 vs Sony RX1R

Nikon Z 30
Sony RX1R
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Sony RX1R

Compared to Sony RX1R II

Sony RX1
Sony RX1R II
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3298
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony RX1 vs Sony RX1R II

Nikon Z 30
Sony RX1R II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3298
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Sony RX1R II

Compared to Zeiss ZX1

Sony RX1
Zeiss ZX1
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $6000
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony RX1 vs Zeiss ZX1

Nikon Z 30
Zeiss ZX1
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Zeiss ZX1

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Sony RX1
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $647
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony RX1 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $647
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Sony RX1
Nikon Z fc
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony RX1 vs Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon Z fc

Compare Other Cameras?