Sony Alpha A6100 vs Nikon Z30
Sony Alpha A6100 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A6100 is the better pick for travel; the Z30 is better for vlogging.
Choose the Alpha A6100 for
- more resolution (24.2MP vs 20.9MP)
- a lighter body (396g vs 405g)
- a lower price (from £439)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 54)
Choose the Z30 for
- better low-light performance
- a newer design (2022)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A6100 | Z30 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, 24.2MP | APS-C, 20.9MP |
| Mount | Sony E (APS-C) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
| Burst | 11 fps | 11 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | Lens only |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
| Weight | 396 g | 405 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FW50 | Nikon EN-EL25a |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £529 |
| Used at MPB | £439–549 | £474 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | Alpha A6100 |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Z30 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A6100 uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the Z30 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FW50 (about £55) vs Nikon EN-EL25a (about £55).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A6100 better than the Nikon Z30?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A6100 offers more resolution (24.2MP vs 20.9MP), a lighter body (396g vs 405g), a lower price (from £439); the Z30 offers better low-light performance, a newer design (2022).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A6100 or the Z30?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A6100 or the Z30?
The Alpha A6100 costs No longer sold new new and from £439 used at MPB; the Z30 costs £529 new and from £474 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A6100 lenses on the Z30?
Not directly. The Alpha A6100 uses Sony E / FE and the Z30 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.