I had to choose between a Panasonic S5IIx and Sony ZV-E1. Some how I picked the Nikon Z30.
The Hunt
I have a vary first world problem when it comes to my current YouTube studio; I absolutely hate having to remove my Nikon Z6II from my video rig. I have to unplug all the sound equipment, remove it from my teleprompter enclosure, unscrew the ND filter and reset all the controls just so I can go take one photo of whatever random thing interests me that day. Yes, I know, I am lazy. But, I do enjoy being able to just sit down and hit record whenever I want to without having to set everything up.
Several months ago I decided enough was enough. It was time to buy another camera so that I do not have to rely on my main camera for all things photo and video. In this case, I needed a proper backup, or B camera. That and well, I had a bit of GAS I needed satisfying.
The same cameras kept coming up in all of my research. The Sony FX3, ZV-E1 and A7SIII were all top contenders. But, Panasonic's S5IIx was looking real attractive from a cost perspective. I even looked at buying another Z6II, or selling my D750 to fund (partially fund, that is) a new Z8. Eventually, all of the options caused me to be more confused and burned out than I was when I first started. No bueno.
I did some soul searching and came to the conclusion that I was looking at the wrong cameras. Yes, all of these cameras are incredible and despite my nit picking, would make excellent B cameras. In fact, all of these options would make my Z6II seem inferior to the point that it would then become my B camera instead. And I that was the conclusion I came to - I needed a B camera, not a main camera. The Z6II, despite its shortcomings, is still an excellent main video camera.
Requirements
A B-cam is usually your slightly lower-end camera, used for off-angle coverage and pickup shots. To me, "lower end" translates to "more affordable". My B camera did not need to be as spec heavy and, most importantly, did not need to cost an arm and a leg. Based on how I shoot my Z6II, my B camera needed to shoot at least 4K 24 frames per second, 8-bit, have a front facing screen, be small and portable, have a good lens selection and cost under $500.
Enter the Z30
The Nikon Z30 is a pretty stripped down camera in terms of its capabilities. It can only shoot up to 4K30 in 8-bit, doesn't have a EVF, only one card slot, a smaller battery than its bigger full frame siblings and lacks in-body image stabilization. However, depending on your needs, these might not be limiting factors.
For me, this camera is more than enough.
4K30
I shoot all of my videos in 4K 24 frames per second. I don't currently have the need for slow motion in 4K, so not having 60 or 120 fps, doesn't really bother me. Furthermore, I shoot most all of my videos in 8-bit. Yes, my Z6II can shoot 10-bit ProRes with the Atomos Ninja, but I prefer to keep my file sizes low, the post processing short and my video release schedule quick. The Z30's offering of up to 4k30 is more than enough for my needs.
Front Facing Screen
Speaking of the Z6II and Atomos, I currently have my Atomos set up as an external monitor. One annoying feature with Nikon is that none of its full frame cameras have a fully articulating screen. Despite the Z6II being labeled as hybrid camera, it lacks some common sense video features, like a front facing screen. Fortunately the Z30 does have a front facing screen that allows me to monitor myself while recording. It also allows for other features, like tap to focus or moving the focus point around the frame.
Size and Portability
Another severely underrated feature its just its size and portability. Now, I once lugged a Nikon D750, 16-35 f4 and 70-200 2.8 lens all around Italy. I would have killed to have this camera back then. Creating photos and videos is so much easier when your kit is small and light weight. At only 350 grams, this camera is perfect as a daily video or vlogging camera. Its small size allows your to easily carry it in a small camera bag or purse. Even the current DX line of lenses for this camera are relatively small and compact. Another win for the Z30.
Lens Selection
The one ding against the Z30, and one that Nikon and other third party manufacturers are working to correct, is the current available selection of native DX lenses. As of this writing, the selection of Nikon DX lenses is limited to only a few zooms and one prime. Third party manufacturers, like Sigma and Viltrox, have some prime offerings, but that is it. Now, because this is a Z mount camera, you can use full frame Z mount lenses. Thankfully there is a huge variety of primes and zooms to choose from. However, you do need to consider the 1.5x crop factor when using these types of lenses. Also, the FTZ adapter allows you to use all of the legacy F mount lenses. This includes the F mount DX lenses. So, despite limited native DX Z mount lenses, there are plenty of other lens alternatives to choose from.
In terms of some of the missing features I mentioned previously, well, I don't intend on using this for a lot of photos, so the lack of an EVF doesn't bother me. I tend to buy quality SD cards, so one card slot isn't a concern. I can charge the camera via USB-C while out an about, so a battery with reduced capacity isn't an issue. I also record using a tripod, so lack of IBIS is whatever. On a side note, the Z30 does have digital stabilization, but deploys it by cropping.
Cost
Brand new, the Z30 is going to cost you around $650-$700. With the 16-50 kit lens, its going to be closer to $900-$950. Now, keep in mind, if you need additional items, like spare batteries, memory cards or straps, its going to be more.
If you don't mind buying used or already have Z mount glass, then you are going to have significant savings. I ended up buying my Z30 in like new condition for $500 at MPB.com. For what this camera is offering me, that is a steal.
Is the Z30 the right camera for you?
If my requirements for a B camera sound similar to yours, then the Z30 is probably the right camera for you. The Z30 is a video camera that does its job well. Sure, it doesn't have the most impressive video specs and won't win you an Oscar, but that's ok. This camera is meant for content creators. Creatives who want to press record so they can express an idea or message that they have. A good B camera gets out of your way and allows you to shoot, and the Z30 does just that.
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