The Nikon Z Fc APS-C size (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was announced on the 27th of June 2021 and released on the 23rd of July of the same year. The model is the first Z-series camera to feature a heritage design while supporting advanced features and modern performances.
Generally, the camera is lightweight, compact, and packed with vast advanced and modern Z series technology. Thus, the Z FC can capture high-quality pictures and 4K UHD videos. The camera also supports wireless functions and remote control.
Pros |
---|
A heritage design |
High ISO sensitivity |
Lightweight weather-sealed |
4K Video recording |
EXPEED 6 Processor |
Cons |
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Poor battery life for stills |
209-point focus areas |
Expensive |
No in-built flash |
20.9MP |
Price: $956. Buy from Amazon.
Key Features
An Effective 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
The Z fc sports a Nikon DX-format CMOS imaging sensor featuring an effective 20.9-megapixels and ISO 100 to 51,200 (extendable to ISO 204,800), alongside an EXPEED 6 processor, capable of rendering fine details and textures with little to no noise in any situation.
The sensor and processor stimulate the camera’s overall performance, including speed, still and video qualities, and low light performance, making the Z fc an ideal device for different kinds of photography.
Hybrid AF System
Beyond rendering high-quality images, the Z fc’s sensor also incorporates a 209-point hybrid autofocus system, which uses both contrast detection and phase-detection methods to quickly and accurately detect subjects and acquire focus when clicking still images or recording videos.
This autofocusing system also supports Nikon’s intelligent Eye-detection AF for stills and videos. The Eye-detection AF system uses facial recognition to help quickly lock onto eyes-humans, dogs, or cats-and track them within the frame.
A Heritage Design
The Z fc is distinguished by its heritage exterior design inspired by the historic Nikon FM2 camera. Furthermore, Nikon has adopted a circular eyepiece for the model’s electronic viewfinder, in addition to details such as the design of the dials and the inscribed brand logo bearing similarities to that of the iconic FM2.
The camera has won the Camera Grand Prix 2022 Editors Choice R&D Award in addition to the 2022 TIPA best APS-C camera award. Furthermore, In April 2022, Nikon announced that the Z fc also won the 2022 iF DESIGN AWARD in the product discipline. Thus, the camera’s aesthetic and iconic design is part of its key features.
Body Build And Design
The Z fc has an aesthetically pleasing exterior design and intuitive controls. It features a robust magnesium alloy chassis that is dust and weather-resistant to benefit working in harsh climates and rough conditions. Regardless of the durable and rigid skeleton, it weighs approximately 390g (body only) and 445g (including memory card and battery). Therefore, the camera is lightweight and ideal for travel photography.
Regarding controls, the top of the Z fc’s body houses three dials that control the shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO sensitivity; and a small window that displays the aperture. The dials allow users to change or adjust settings easily, while the small window lets users confirm the four basic settings for image-making at a glance and change them with ease.
Viewfinder And Display
It has an approx. 2.36-million-dot (XGA) OLED electronic viewfinder for comfortable eye-level viewing. The EVF has a 1.02x magnification and approximately 100% frame coverage.
Furthermore, the camera sports a large 3″ 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor that allows users to shoot from different angles when clicking stills or recording videos.
Display
Viewfinder
Speed Performance
The camera allows top continuous shooting speed at full resolution (that is, 20.9MP) up to 11 frames per second.
Image and Video Qualities
Beyond rendering quality still photos, the Zfc allows users to record Ultra HD 4K video at up 30 frames per second and Full HD at approximately 120 frames per second, for slow-motion effects, alongside the capability to save movie files in the in-camera storage card. The camera also supports recording in-camera time-lapse movies.
Lens System
Exposure & White Balance
Communications
Video Recording
Battery Performance
The Zfc houses an EN-EL25 rechargeable Li-ion battery. According to CIPA testing standards, the battery allows approximately 300 shots and 75 min. of movie recording, per charge.
Low Light Performance
The camera can render stunning stills and videos in the dark, thanks to a wide standard sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 51,200 and the EXPEED 6 processor, which works alongside the 20.9MP sensor.
What Type Of Photography Is The Nikon Z fc Suitable For?
The mirrorless Z fc is a versatile camera suitable for still and video recordings. However, Nikon specially optimized the model for vlogging purposes. Nonetheless, it is still an excellent fit for a wide range of photography, including portraits and landscapes.
Who Should Buy? Value For Money?
The camera is geared towards entry-level and advanced-level photographers, content creators, or vloggers. Regarding value for money, the Z fc is expensive compared to other low-budget mirrorless vlogging cameras. For instance, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III offers more advanced features and costs $750 only. However, the Z fc is still a great fit if you want an aesthetically designed device.