Today I want to introduce you to the Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera , a very light and compact camera with a really spectacular design.
If you are in love with old cameras but are looking for powerful features, this camera will amaze you.
The Nikon Z fc copies the design of one of the most beautiful cameras in history: the Nikon FM2, a mechanical film camera that is a real beauty and an object of desire for many.
As much as I think it's not the arrow but the Indian, I must admit that I wanted to try it ever since I saw it ? .
Before continuing, I recommend that if you want to immerse yourself or solve any doubt you have in the world of Nikon cameras, lenses and accessories, do not miss this very complete guide with all kinds of information about this great brand.
With that said, let's get back to the topic at hand.
MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS WITH THE NIKON ZFC
Overall, first impressions are a camera you want to take anywhere, weighs nothing, and is spectacularly beautiful.
It also comes with a very versatile focal length in terms of focal length.
My first reaction upon opening the box was wow, what a beauty, but other than that, I was surprised at how light it is.
Coming from a Nikon D800 it's really amazing how a camera, so well finished and made of metal, can have such a light weight.
I've tested it with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, which comes in one of their kit options.
The lens is very compact and light and fits perfectly with the body of this mirrorless lens .
Hanging around your neck you hardly even notice you're wearing it, this is a camera to feel like Vivian Maier or Cartier-Bresson, but without the need to reveal it in a dark room ?? .
WHO IS THE NIKON Z FC FOR?
The Nikon Z fc is aimed at an average or initial amateur photographer who wants to stay a good season in this world.
Someone who enjoys all kinds of photography and for whom the exterior design is an added value when choosing one or another camera.
This camera is designed to always carry with you.
Due to its weight, size and features, it is ideal for street photography, travel, documentary, but also for those who want to start in videos for vlogs or similar.
Ideally, mount an optic that respects its compact size and retro style, such as the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE or the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3.
But please note that all Z series cameras can add any mount lens via FTZ II adapter.
We will see it later.
THE BEST OF THE NIKON Z FC
Let's see the best of this Nikon in terms of design and performance:
DESIGN
As I have already told you, the Nikon Z fc is a digital replica of its mechanical Nikon FM2 model.
The soul of a retro camera is breathed in absolutely every detail.
Only the very light weight (445g for the body) makes you think that you are looking at a modern camera (if you have had an old one in your hands, you will know that its weight is much more considerable).
If you look at the top of this Nikon, the dials from which you can control shutter speed, sensitivity or exposure compensation stand out.
In addition, you have a small screen to see the aperture of the diaphragm at which you are photographing.
This camera is designed to work from the body (as was done in the old models), not from the screen.
Thus, with a simple glance at the top, you can see all the exposure variables.
The design of the camera is careful and pampered to detail.
It features a space-integrated round viewfinder that imitates the old pentaprism, a magnesium alloy chassis, lettering that is etched (not painted) and also a body in imitation leather texture like old Nikon models and other brands.
I have tried it in classic black, but you have several colors available such as beige, white, grey, brown, green or coral.
In addition, it has a fully articulated touch screen.
It is the first Z series model to do so.
This gives you a lot of creative possibilities for video, but also to get different frames, selfies, etc.
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
To analyze its benefits, the first thing we must take into account is the price.
This camera costs just under €1,000 today, or €1,210.99with the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens.
I already tell you that, for all the benefits it offers us, it stands out for its good value for money.
Beyond the exterior design, you have to know that this camera is an APS-C mirrorless camera that has aspects such as 21MP, on a 23.5mm x 15.7mm CMOS sensor (the same as the Nikon Z50 or D500 ) that offers great image quality in both color and sharpness.
I have to say that the performance of the autofocus that has 209 focus points and is agile and effective, detecting the face and eyes is not easily lost.
Although it is a camera mainly for photography, it also offers interesting options for video such as the possibility of recording in 4K/UHD at 30p , the already mentioned folding screen, or the function of taking pictures while filming on the camera.
If you are interested in the subject of vlogging, take a look at this kit that may be interesting.
This camera also allows it to be in operation while charging, ideal for recording long videos, Time Lapse, or simply long photography sessions.
Regarding sensitivity, it offers us values between 100 and 51200, which is not bad at all ?.
Of course, it also has WI-FI and Bluetooth.
IMPROVABLE ASPECTS OF THE NIKON Z FC
For some, the fact that it does not have a grip can be a problem if they need to add bulkier lenses.
It is also true that Nikon has already foreseen this and has created a gripthat can be added to the body.
Another drawback that Nikon Dx cameras face is the lack of specific lenses for them.
At the moment this Nikon has the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, probably the one that best matches this body to get closer to a 50mm.
You also have the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, and the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.
Another option is to use F mount lenses with the FTZ II mount adapter,that would allow you to use your targets in this body.
Of course, you also have the full range of Z-series lenses for Full Frame, but remember that the crop factor will be applied.
- Keep in mind that the body does not have a focus motor, so you have to add lenses that do.
Another potential drawback for some photographers is the fact that it has a single card slot, no built-in flash, and always look for lenses with a built-in stabilizer, as this Nikon's body doesn't.
NIKON PRESENTATION VIDEO
Do you want to see it in action? Here you have the official presentation video of the Nikon Zfc:
FEATURES OF THE NIKON Z FC
These are the general specifications of the Nikon Z fc, you can read them in full here.
| lens mount | Nikon Z mount |
| image sensor | DX, CMOS, 23.5mm x 15.7mm |
| total pixels | 21.51 million |
| effective pixels | 20.9 million |
| card slot | 1 Secure Digital (SD) card |
| Viewfinder | 1 cm OLED electronic viewfinder, approx. 2,360,000 dots (XGA) with color balance and 7-level manual and auto brightness controls |
| frame coverage | approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical |
| compatible lenses | NIKKOR Z-mount lenses NIKKOR F-mount lenses (with mount adapter) |
| shutter type |
Electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane mechanical shutter; electronic front curtain shutter, electronic shutter |
| shutter speed | With shutter speed dial: 1/4000 to 4 s (1 step), Bulb and Time x (flash sync) options With main command dial: 1/4000 to 30 s (1/3 step) , can be extended up to 900 s in M mode); options Bulb, Time x (flash sync) |
| Flash sync speed | X= 1/200 s; syncs with shutter speed 1/200 s or slower; supports auto FP high-speed sync |
| flash compensation | -3 to +1 EV in 1/3 steps, available in P, S, A, and M modes |
| frame advance rate | Up to 11 fps, Continuous B: Approx. 1 to 4 fps, Continuous H: Approx. 5fps; H continuous (extended): Approx. 11fps. |
| ISO sensitivity | From ISO 100 to 51200, in steps of 1/3 EV, it can also be set by approx. 1 EV above ISO 51200 (ISO 102400 equivalent) or at approx. 2 EV above ISO 51200 (equivalent to ISO 204 800); automatic ISO sensitivity control (recommended exposure index) available |
| focus points | 209 |
| Monitor | 7.5 cm diagonal; TFT touchscreen tilting LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage and color balance and 11-level manual brightness controls; approx. 1040k points |
| Battery | One EN-EL25 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | approx. 134.5 x 93.5 x 43.5mm |
| Weight | approx. 445g with battery and memory card, but without body cap: approx. 390g (camera body only) |
| operating environment | 0°C to 40°C |
CONCLUSIONS
It is hard to reach a level of objectivity when you are in love with old cameras and when the Nikon FM2 has always seemed to you one of the most beautiful cameras of all time ;).
However, the bar was also high for me, and I can assure you that this camera has delighted me.
It is ideal to work with it as we did before, without a screen, only with the control dials you can take pictures perfectly, but it also more than adapts to the demands of any quality camera today (which are not few).
This is demonstrated by its folding screen, its good focusing system or the good image quality that it boasts, to name just a few.
I don't think you can ask for much more from this camera for its price.
So, if you are a fan of retro cameras, but you want to enjoy a good-nice (spectacular)-cheap camera (great value for money), you can now add it to the Three Kings menu .
Personally, with a lens like the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, (if I could, I would ask for an f/1.4) you have a camera for a while, to vibrate with Streetphoptography, documentary photography, travel photography, etc.
In short, I found it to be a very balanced camera between design, performance and price.
An ideal camera to start, stay or as a second body.
I hope you liked this tour of this great mirrorless camera.
Remember that more people could be interested in knowing it, if you help us share the information we will reach more people.
