Cameras


Nikon’s New Z fc Camera Goes Retro

July 1, 2021

By Theano Nikitas

Updated 7/6/21: Nikon Japan has issued a notice stating that the demand for the newly announced Z fc camera—scheduled to ship in late July—is outpacing the company’s production capability. Those who have pre-ordered the camera are likely going to have to “wait some time before they receive it.”

Built around a 20-megapixel APS-C sensor, Nikon’s Z fc camera has retro styling that is strongly reminiscent of Nikon’s FM and FE-series 35mm SLRs (as well as the full-frame DSLR Df that the company released in 2013). I’m a big fan of manual dials like those on mirrorless cameras from Fuji and Olympus so it’s exciting to see this latest entry from Nikon.

Nikon's Z fc camera.
The Nikon Z fc has large ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials.

Atop the Z fc, you’ll find large ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials along with a switch to move between Auto, Program, Shutter-speed, Aperture and Manual exposure modes. The camera also sports dual commend dials and while it doesn’t have a dedicated joystick, you can tap the screen or use the 4-way dial on the rear of the camera to move the AF point.

[Read: Nikon NX Studio Software: Edit Images & Video for Free]

Some specs of the Z fc are similar to the Z 50 (Nikon’s first APS-C Z-camera) including resolution, up to 11 frames per second continuous shooting, microphone jack and a compact body. (The Z fc measures 5.3 x 3.7 x 1.8 inches and weighs 14 ounces.) Perhaps the two biggest differences are the Z 50’s built-in flash, which is missing from the Z fc and, more importantly, the Z fc’s fully articulated touchscreen. In addition to the Z fc’s vlogger-friendly screen, the new model’s USB-C port can power the camera while it’s being charged and the camera features eye-detection AF for video (and stills). Other benefits include 4K UHD video, a self-portrait mode that automatically kicks in when the 3-inch LCD faces you and provides access to on screen adjustments. You can also hook the camera up to a computer for live streaming.

[Read: Nikon Z 7II Review: Lab Test Results]

The Z fc comes with all the features you expect from a Nikon camera including a long list of AF area modes, active D-lighting for stills and video, multiple exposure, Creative Picture Controls, a flat profile for easy color grading, built-in interval timer for time-lapse and remote shooting (and image transfer) via the SnapBridge app.

NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens.
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens.

At the same time as the Z fc announcement, Nikon some new lenses. The retro style matched NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a 24-75mm-equivalent lens that has an estimated 4.5 stops of vibration reduction and looks like the perfect all-around lens for the Z fc.

Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens.
The NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens.

Nikon also released the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 special edition lens, the lightest full-frame lens. Look for a standard edition of the Z 28mm f/2.8 this year along with a 40mm f/2.0 compact prime and the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens. Naturally, the Z fc will accept all Z-lenses as well as the Z-adapter so you can use your F-mount lenses as well.

Slated to ship in late July, the Z fc is priced at an affordable $960 (body only) or in a kit for $1,100 (with the Z DX 16-50MM) or $1,200 (with the Z 28mm f/2.8 SE). The latter will be sold separately in the fall for $300. And if you’re looking to jazz up your mirrorless camera, check out the limited edition Z fc in various colors ($1,200 with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm lens). The latter will be available at nikonusa.com.