Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7
79 Imaging
70 Features
84 Overall
75
![Nikon Z30 front Nikon Z30 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Z30/Nikon-Z30-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha A7 front Sony Alpha A7 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-A7/Sony-A7-front.jpg)
78 Imaging
70 Features
80 Overall
74
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.00" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 204800)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 405g - 128 x 74 x 60mm
- Launched June 2022
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 50 - 25600
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 474g - 127 x 94 x 48mm
- Introduced January 2014
- Newer Model is Sony A7 II
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Overview
Here, we will be contrasting the Nikon Z30 versus Sony A7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the Z30 (21MP) and the A7 (24MP) is pretty comparable but the Z30 (APS-C) and A7 (Full frame) have totally different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
The Z30 was unveiled 8 years later than the A7 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a short view of how the Z30 matches up against the A7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Z30 and Sony Alpha A7. The full galleries are available at Nikon Z30 Gallery and Sony A7 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon Z30 over the Sony A7
Z30 | A7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | June 2022 | ![]() | January 2014 | Fresher by 103 months |
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Tilting | Fully Articulating screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony A7 over the Nikon Z30
A7 | Z30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 1230k | ![]() | 1040k | Clearer screen (+190k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon Z30 and Sony A7
Z30 | A7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Screen size | 3.00" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen size |
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Physical Comparison
If you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon Z30 has got exterior dimensions of 128mm x 74mm x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Sony A7 has proportions of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") with a weight of 474 grams (1.04 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon Z30 versus Sony A7 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the Z30 against the A7.
![Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 size comparison Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z30-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-size-comparison.jpg)
Using size and weight, the portability score of the Z30 and A7 is 79 and 78 respectively.
![Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 top view buttons comparison Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z30-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the Z30 and A7.
As you can see, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Z30 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony A7 will show greater detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern Z30 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.
![Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 sensor size comparison Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-Z30-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z30-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Nikon Z30 vs Sony A7 Specifications
Nikon Z30 | Sony Alpha A7 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon Z30 | Sony Alpha A7 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
Launched | 2022-06-29 | 2014-01-22 |
Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz X |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 35.8 x 23.9mm |
Sensor area | 369.0mm² | 855.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 21MP | 24MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 6000 x 4000 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 25600 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 204800 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 50 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | 209 | 117 |
Cross type focus points | - | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon Z | Sony E |
Available lenses | 35 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fully Articulated | Tilting |
Screen size | 3.00 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 1,040 thousand dots | 1,230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen tech | - | Xtra Fine LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,359 thousand dots |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.71x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 11.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash options | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off | no built-in flash |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/250 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 405 grams (0.89 lb) | 474 grams (1.04 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 128 x 74 x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") | 127 x 94 x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 90 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 24.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 14.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 2248 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 photographs | 340 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL25 | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures)) |
Time lapse shooting | With downloadable app | |
Storage type | - | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $650 | $798 |