The Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera is a delightful nod to the classic Nikon 35mm film cameras, combining vintage design with modern functionality. This camera is perfect for photographers who appreciate the tactile experience of controlling exposure settings with physical dials.
The Z fc’s small and lightweight body makes it an ideal travel companion, whether you’re walking around town or along the beach looking for the perfect sunset or capturing the serene beauty of the blue hour. These photographs were made on the same walk, within a half hour of each other, around sunset.
The Nikon Z fc camera is a great entry level camera. We bought one to use as to do street photography and to start collecting Z mount lenses that be also be used on the larger Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. We bought ours with the 28mm kit lens option and paid extra for the incredible 18-200mm zoom lens used in these photos.
Priced at approximately $1500 AUD and sometimes less, the Nikon Z fc remains an attractive entry-level option for those new to the Nikon Z mirrorless series. However, if you’re looking to upgrade to a full-frame sensor, you’ll need to spend around $2000 AUD more for the Nikon Z f.
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Nikon Z fc Review: Mirrorless camera that looks and feels like a 35mm Film Camera
The Nikon Z fc camera’s design is inspired by classic Nikon 35mm film cameras, featuring a retro look with physical dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. This nostalgic design appeals to those who appreciate a vintage aesthetic while enjoying modern technology.
The Nikon Z fc is a charming and capable camera, offering an excellent balance of nostalgic design and modern technology. It’s perfect for photographers who enjoy manual controls and want a lightweight, portable camera for travel and everyday photography. With its competitive pricing, the Z fc is a strong contender in the entry-level mirrorless market.
At the mercy of the existing lights in shop fronts or an old phone booth, the Nikon Z fc performs well, even on auto exposure. The details in the telephone’s bright LED light is a lot brighter than the shadows under the phone but all cameras would struggle to expose those two extremes well. There is very little noise even in these low light conditions although the shutter speed started to get longer and more difficult to hold steady as the sun went down. These images are acceptable for what I’m using them for – to illustrate this website and catch a few memories.
Those seeking a full-frame sensor will need to consider the more expensive Nikon Z f or other full-frame options. Here’s a comparative table of the Nikon Z f, Z fc, Z8, and comparable Canon and Fuji cameras:
| Feature | Nikon Z f | Nikon Z fc | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R8 | Fujifilm X-T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.5 MP BSI CMOS Full Frame | 20.9 MP DX CMOS (APS-C) | 45.7 MP BSI CMOS Full Frame | 24.2 MP CMOS Full Frame | 26.1 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 (APS-C) |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 | DIGIC X | X-Processor 4 |
| Video Recording | Up to 4k30p | Up to 4k30p | Up to 8k30p | Up to 4k30p | Up to 4k60p |
| Design | Timeless Elegant Design | Retro Film Camera Design | Modern DSLR Design | Modern Mirrorless Design | Retro Film Camera Design |
| AF Subject Recognition | 3D Tracking w/ AF Subject Recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Vibration Reduction | 5-Axis | 5-Axis | 5-Axis | 5-Axis | 5-Axis |
| Weight | 705g | 445g | 910g | 414g | 607g |
| Price | $3500 AUD | $1500 AUD | $6000 AUD | $2500 AUD | $2500 AUD |
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The Nikon Z fc handles low and variable light well. The details in the highlights and shadows hold up and the colours are true. Its a very good little camera that will be perfect for the needs of most people.
Features of the Nikon Z fc Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z fc stands out not only for its retro aesthetic but also for a range of features that make it a versatile and enjoyable camera for various types of photography. Here are some additional highlights:
Design and Build Quality
- Retro-Inspired Design: The Nikon Z fc features a design reminiscent of Nikon’s classic FM2 film camera, with dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation on the top plate. This design appeals to photographers who enjoy a tactile and intuitive shooting experience.
- High-Quality Materials: The camera’s body is constructed from magnesium alloy, providing durability without adding significant weight. The textured surface and leatherette accents enhance the vintage look and feel.
Sensor and Image Quality
- 20.9 MP DX CMOS Sensor: While not full-frame, the APS-C sensor in the Z fc delivers excellent image quality with impressive detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. It’s ideal for both stills and video.
- EXPEED 6 Image Processor: The powerful image processor ensures fast performance, accurate colors, and efficient noise reduction.
Autofocus and Shooting Performance
- Advanced Autofocus System: The Z fc features a 209-point hybrid autofocus system, combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF for quick and accurate focusing. It also includes eye-detection AF for both humans and animals, making it easy to capture sharp portraits.
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting: With the ability to shoot up to 11 frames per second, the Z fc is capable of capturing fast action, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photography.
Video Capabilities
- 4K UHD Video: The Z fc can record 4K UHD video at up to 30 frames per second, providing high-quality footage for videographers. It also offers Full HD recording at up to 120 frames per second for smooth slow-motion playback.
- Built-In Time-Lapse and Slow Motion: The camera includes built-in features for creating time-lapse videos and slow-motion clips, adding creative options for filmmakers.
- Great Camera for Blogging: The Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera is ideal for blogging or making home movies.
Connectivity and Convenience
- Vari-Angle Touchscreen: The 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen makes it easy to compose shots from various angles, including high and low perspectives. It’s also useful for vlogging and selfies.
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The Z fc includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy connectivity to smartphones and tablets. This allows for seamless image transfer, remote control via the SnapBridge app, and instant sharing on social media.
- USB-C Charging: The camera supports USB-C charging, making it convenient to charge the battery on the go using a power bank or laptop.
Customization and Accessories
- Customizable Controls: The Z fc offers customizable buttons and dials, allowing photographers to tailor the camera’s operation to their preferences.
- Wide Range of Lenses: The camera is compatible with Nikon’s growing lineup of Z-mount lenses, offering options for every type of photography. Additionally, with the FTZ mount adapter, users can utilize Nikon F-mount lenses without losing functionality.
Is the Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera worth it?
The Nikon Z fc is more than just a pretty camera; it’s a powerful tool for photographers and videographers alike. Its combination of nostalgic design, advanced features, and excellent performance makes it a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced shooters looking for a compact and stylish mirrorless camera. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, dynamic street scenes, or candid portraits, the Nikon Z fc delivers with flair and precision.
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Looking for that Emily in Paris camera?
In “Emily in Paris,” Emily’s phone case, which mimicked the look of a vintage camera, became an iconic accessory that perfectly captured her blend of modernity and nostalgia. This phone case strikingly resembles the aesthetic of the Nikon Z fc.
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