Is the Nikon Z30 imminent? Nikon has registered a new DX Z-mount camera

Is the Nikon Z30 imminent? Nikon has registered a new DX Z-mount camera
(Image credit: Digital Camera World)

UPDATE: Nikon has registered a new DX Z-mount camera. Could it be the Nikon Z30, or potentially a Nikon Z50 II? 

The Nikon Z30 has been rumored for some time, with rumblings that it will omit an electronic viewfinder while featuring a fixed LCD screen, a single card slot and a 24 or 26MP sensor. However, the newly registered camera could also be a successor to the Nikon Z50, since it features the same battery. 

• Read more: Nikon rumors

The overseas registration was spotted by Nokishita, and reveals that the new Z-mount camera will come bundled with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens and use the same EN-EL25 battery that's currently only used by the Z50. So this looks to be either a Mark II update of the camera (as seen with the recent Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II) or evidence that the new entry level Nikon Z30 will use the same, smaller cell. 

A camera registration means that a reveal and announcement is often just a few weeks away, so expect to see more leaks soon. 

This is the patent design that got everybody talking. Is this a new Nikon Z30? (Image credit: Design Watch)

ORIGINAL STORY (08 Feb): There’s always lots of talk and rumor around Nikon cameras, but all we have right now is renewed speculation that a new APS-C Nikon Z30 model, positioned below the current Nikon Z50, will arrive in the first half of 2021, and that this may not have an EVF, just a rear screen. Will this replace the much-loved Nikon D3500 as Nikon's cheapest entry-level interchangeable lens camera?

The existing Nikon Z50 is decent camera, but priced for hobbyists and not beginners. Once the D3500 disappears for good (and the D5600 with it, we believe), novice photographers will lose what we think is the best beginner camera on the market, and so far we’ve heard nothing from Nikon to suggest a replacement is waiting in the wings.

Right now, the best cameras for beginners are older models on sale at discounted prices. It’s been years (literally) since any camera maker released a new, budget beginner camera.

However, there are certain things we think any beginner camera should have, including a viewfinder, and if the talk about a new Nikon Z30 mirrorless model is correct, it won’t have one.

The Nikon D3500 has been one of the best selling beginner cameras of recent times. When the D3500 goes, does the beginner market go with it? (Image credit: Nikon)

Is this the end for Nikon DSLRs?

Apparently not. Nikon Rumors has reported that two new Nikon DSLRs will be released in the second half of 2021, along with several new F-mount lenses. This is encouraging news for DSLR fans, but we don’t know whether either of these will be a D3500 replacement.

Not surprisingly, Nikon is shifting its R&D resources towards mirrorless cameras, but so far all the attention seems to have been on its full frame cameras and lenses. The APS-C Nikon Z50, launched back in December 2019, is an able and affordable camera, but it still only has two native DX-format Z mount lenses.

We all get very excited about full frame cameras and lenses, but let’s not forget that beginners need to start somewhere. 

Read more:

Best beginner cameras
Best Nikon cameras
Best DSLRs
Best mirrorless cameras
Best Nikon gear

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.