Full Specifications
| Sensor Size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) |
| Megapixels | 21 MP |
| ISO Range | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 100-204800) |
| Autofocus Points | 209 |
| Max Burst Rate (fps) | 11 fps |
| Video Resolution | 4K 30p |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Weight | 445g |
| Dimensions | 135 x 94 x 44 mm (5.31 x 3.7 x 1.73″) |
| Battery Life | 300 shots |
| Price (USD) | $959 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Viewfinder | Electronic |
| Screen | 3″, 1,040,000 dots |
| Release Year | 2021 |
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Great retro design with manual dials that enhance the shooting experience.
- Lightweight and compact, making it suitable for travel and street photography.
- Good image quality, especially with the kit lenses (such as the 16-50mm and the 28mm f/2.8).
- Improved autofocus performance compared to older Nikon models, making it easier to capture moving subjects.
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity facilitate quick sharing of images to smartphones.
- The camera's LCD screen is fully articulating, ideal for vlogging and selfies.
- Offers a fun shooting experience that echoes traditional film cameras.
- Affordable option for beginner photographers who appreciate a stylish body.
What We Don't
- Lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can limit low-light shooting capabilities.
- Ergonomics may be uncomfortable for users with larger hands or when using heavy lenses.
- Restricted lens selection compared to other manufacturers like Fujifilm, with limited native APS-C options.
- Some users report the build quality feels slightly plasticky or lightweight.
- The autofocus system struggles in low light conditions or fast-moving scenarios compared to competitors.
- Less mature lens ecosystem compared to other brands, leading to potential future upgrade limitations.
The Verdict
Overall, the Nikon Z fc is well-received for its aesthetic appeal and fun shooting experience, particularly for beginners and casual photographers. However, it faces criticism for its ergonomics, limited lens options, and absence of advanced stabilization features, making it less suitable for serious enthusiasts.
"The Z fc is a great first camera. Especially since you can use it to force the learning of the manual settings to learn how exposure works."
-- u/iblockredditsads37 commenting on the general suitability of the Z fc for beginners.
"I absolutely love the retro design and physical dials."
-- u/Kentucky_Strong expressing their enthusiasm for the camera's design.
"The autofocus system struggles in low light... but the Z fc autofocus won out by a landslide during my comparison."
-- u/rcthetree discussing the autofocus performance of the Z fc compared to a Fujifilm camera.
"The kit lenses are very good, not the fastest of course. The 16-50 I use for product photography since it focuses quite close."
-- u/OliverEntrails highlighting the effectiveness of the kit lenses.
"If you have fallen in love with the Z fc, buy the Z fc."
-- u/LordRaglan1854 encouraging someone who admires the Z fc to go ahead with the purchase.
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