What To Know
- The D500 has a burst shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps), while the Z30 has a burst shooting speed of 11 fps.
- The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, while the Z30 has a native ISO range of 100-25,600.
- If you need a camera that is more compact and lightweight, and has better ISO performance, then the Z30 is the better choice.
Nikon’s D500 and Z30 are two popular cameras among wildlife photographers. The D500 is a DSLR, while the Z30 is a mirrorless camera. Both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to compare them before making a decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the Z30 has a 20.9-megapixel DX-format sensor. Both sensors are capable of producing high-quality images, but the D500’s sensor has a slightly higher resolution. This means that the D500 can capture more detail in images, which can be beneficial for wildlife photography.
Autofocus
The D500 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the Z30 has a 209-point autofocus system. Both autofocus systems are very good, but the Z30’s autofocus system has a slight edge in terms of speed and accuracy. This can be important for wildlife photography, as animals can move quickly and unpredictably.
Burst Shooting
The D500 has a burst shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps), while the Z30 has a burst shooting speed of 11 fps. Both cameras can capture a large number of images in a short period of time, which can be useful for capturing wildlife in motion.
ISO Performance
The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, while the Z30 has a native ISO range of 100-25,600. Both cameras can produce good images at high ISO settings, but the D500 has a slight advantage in terms of noise performance. This means that the D500 can capture images with less noise at higher ISO settings, which can be beneficial for wildlife photography in low-light conditions.
Weather Sealing
The D500 is weather-sealed, while the Z30 is not. Weather sealing protects the camera from dust, moisture, and other elements. This can be important for wildlife photography, as animals can often be found in harsh environments.
Lens Compatibility
The D500 is compatible with Nikon’s F-mount lenses, while the Z30 is compatible with Nikon’s Z-mount lenses. Nikon has a wide range of lenses available for both mounts, so you should have no problem finding the right lenses for your wildlife photography needs.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The D500 and Z30 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography. The D500 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, better autofocus system, and faster burst shooting speed. The Z30 has a slightly better autofocus system, higher ISO performance, and is more compact and lightweight.
Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a camera with the best possible image quality, autofocus performance, and burst shooting speed, then the D500 is the better choice. If you need a camera that is more compact and lightweight, and has better ISO performance, then the Z30 is the better choice.
Verdict
The Nikon D500 and Z30 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography. The D500 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, better autofocus system, and faster burst shooting speed. The Z30 has a slightly better autofocus system, higher ISO performance, and is more compact and lightweight. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Z30 has a slightly better autofocus system than the D500.
2. Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
The D500 has a slightly higher resolution sensor than the Z30.
3. Which camera has a faster burst shooting speed?
The D500 has a faster burst shooting speed than the Z30.
4. Which camera has better ISO performance?
The Z30 has better ISO performance than the D500.
5. Which camera is more compact and lightweight?
The Z30 is more compact and lightweight than the D500.
