Sony Cinema Line FX30 vs Nikon Zf
Sony Cinema Line FX30
Nikon Zf Blue 2023
What Buyers Say
Sony Cinema Line FX30
The Sony FX30 is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier cinema camera for its price, delivering superb image quality, excellent autofocus, and robust features like dual base ISO and XLR audio. Users highlight its value as a beginner-friendly yet professional-grade tool, with many noting it rivals more expensive models like the FX3. Minor criticisms include the lack of a viewfinder, a complicated menu system, and some software quirks, but these are largely overshadowed by its performance and versatility.
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Excellent autofocus
- Great value for price
- Dual base ISO
- XLR audio handle
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Complicated menu system
- Rolling shutter could be better
- No shutter angle option
- No open gate mode
Nikon Zf Blue 2023
The Nikon Zf is overwhelmingly praised for its retro design, build quality, and modern performance, especially autofocus and low-light capability. Users love the tactile dials and the joy it brings to photography, often calling it a 'fun' camera. Common complaints include the lack of a battery charger, insufficient grip ergonomics, and the unreliable SnapBridge app. Overall, it's seen as a near-perfect blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology.
Pros
- Retro design
- Excellent autofocus
- Great image quality
- Solid build quality
- Fun to use
Cons
- No battery charger included
- Poor grip ergonomics
- Unreliable SnapBridge app
- Limited programmable buttons
- Focus peaking accuracy
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Cinema Line FX30 | Nikon Zf | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Exmor R CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | aps-c | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 26 MP★ | 24.5 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | EXPEED 7 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF) | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 273 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 120 fps★ | 14 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 120 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 2.4M dots | 3.7M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.65 kg | 0.63 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 570 shots★ | 380 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB-C★ |
| HDMI | HDMI Type-A | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Cinema Line FX30
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong af (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Nikon Zf Blue 2023
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong battery (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Below average affordability (24th percentile)
Pricing
Sony Cinema Line FX30 offers 1.2x better value for money
Nikon Zf Blue 2023
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 10 usage categories and 8 of 33 specs.
