Today I want to introduce you to the mirrorless camera of nikon z fca very light and compact camera with a truly spectacular design.
If you are a lover of old cameras but you are looking for powerful features, this camera will blow your mind.
The Nikon Z fc copies the design of one of the most beautiful cameras in history: the Nikon FM2, a mechanical reel camera that is a true 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 since I saw it 😉 .
Before continuing, I recommend that if you want to immerse yourself or answer any questions you may have in the world of Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories, don’t miss this comprehensive 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
All in all, the first impression is a camera that you want to take anywhere, weighs nothing and is spectacularly beautiful.
It also comes with a most versatile focal length as far as focal length is concerned.
My first reaction upon opening the box was wow, what a beautiful thing, but beyond that, I was surprised at how light it is.
Coming from a Nikon D800 it is really amazing how a camera, so well finished and made of metal, can be so light in 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 lightweight and fits perfectly with the body of this mirrorless.
Hanging around your neck you practically don’t 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 It is aimed at an average or initial amateur photographer who wants to spend a good season in this world.
Someone who enjoys all kinds of photography and for whom 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 a lens that respects this 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 later.
The best of the Nikon Z fc
Let’s see the best of this Nikon in terms of design and features:
Design
As I have already mentioned, the Nikon Z fc is a digital replica of its mechanical model Nikon FM2.
the soul of one vintage camera it breathes in absolutely every detail.
Only the light weight (445g the body) makes you think that you are in front of 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 diaphragm opening at which you are photographing.
This camera is designed to work from the body (as it was done in the old models), not from the screen.
Thus, with a simple glance at the top, you can see all the variables of the exhibition.
The design of the camera is careful and pampered in detail.
Count with one round viewfinder integrated in the space that imitates the old pentaprism, a magnesium alloy chassis, the letters are engraved (not painted) and also a body in imitation leather texture like the old Nikon models and other brands.
I have tried it in the classic black, but you have several colors available such as beige, white, grey, brown, green or coral.
Colors available for Nikon Z fc
In addition, it has a fully articulating touchscreen.
It is the first model in the Z series to do so.
This gives you many creative possibilities for video, but also to get different frames, selfies, etc.
Featured 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 €1,269.00 with the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens.
I can already tell you that, for all the features 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 the D500 ) that offers great image quality both in color and sharpness.
Where is the digital camera? 😉
I have to say that it surprises for good the autofocus performance that has 209 focus points and is agile and effective, detecting 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 30pthe already mentioned folding screen, or the function of taking pictures while filming in the camera.
If you are interested in 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 does not have a handle can be a problem if you have the need to add bulkier lenses to it.
It is also true that Nikon has already foreseen this and has created a grip that can be added to the body.
Another drawback that Nikon Dx cameras face is lack of specific goals for them.
At the moment this Nikon has the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, probably the one that best suits 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 mount adapter FTZ II, 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, although 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 possible drawback for some photographers is the fact that it has a single card slot, no built-in flash, and you always have to look for lenses with a built-in stabilizer, as this Nikon’s body doesn’t have one.
Nikon Presentation Video
Do you want to see her in action? Here you have the official video of the presentation 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 mountNikon Z mountimage sensingDX, CMOS, 23.5mm x 15.7mmTotal pixels21.51 millioneffective pixels20.9 millioncard slot1 Secure Digital (SD) cardViewfinder1 cm OLED electronic viewfinder and approx. 2,360,000 dots (XGA) with color balance and 7-level auto and manual brightness controlsframe coverageApprox. 100% horizontal and 100% verticalCompatible LensesZ mount NIKKOR lenses F mount NIKKOR lenses (with mount adapter)shutter type
Electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane mechanical shutter; electronic front curtain shutter, electronic shuttershutter speedWith 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 900s in M mode); Bulb, Time x (flash sync) optionsFlash sync speedX= 1/200 s; syncs with shutter at 1/200 s speed or slower; supports auto FP high-speed syncflash compensation-3 to +1 EV in 1/3 steps, available in P, S, A, and M modesFrame advance rateUp to 11fps, Continuous W: Approx. 1 to 4 fps, Continuous H: Approx. 5fps; Continuous H (Expanded): Approx. 11fpsISO sensitivityISO 100 to 51200, in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 51200 (ISO 102400 equivalent) or at approx. 2 EV above ISO 51200 (ISO 204 800 equivalent); auto ISO sensitivity control available (recommended exposure index)focus points209Display7.5cm diagonal; tilting TFT touch screen LCD with 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage and color balance and 11-level manual brightness controls; approx. 1040k pointsDrumsRechargeable Li-ion Battery One EN-EL25Dimensions (W x H x D)Approx. 134.5 x 93.5 x 43.5mmWeightApprox. 445g with battery and memory card, but without the body cover: approx. 390g (camera body only)operating environment 0°C to 40°CRead full specs here
Gallery of photos taken with the Nikon Z fc
I leave you with some images that I have taken with the Nikon Z fc:
- ISO100, f/6.3, 1/320s, 19mm
- ISO100, f/7.1, 1/400s, 19mm
- ISO100, f/6.3, 1/320s, 19mm
- ISO100, f/7.1, 1/125s, 19mm
- ISO100, f/4, 1/125s, 21.5mm
- ISO400, f/4.8, 1/15s, 29mm
- ISO400, f/4.5, 1/500s, 28mm
- ISO400, f/4.5, 1/500s, 27.5mm
- ISO640, f/3.5, 1/250s, 16mm
Conclusions
It is difficult 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 I loved this camera.
It is ideal to work with it as we did before, without a screen, only with the control dials you can now photograph 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 want to enjoy a good-beautiful (spectacular)-cheap camera (with a great value for money), you can now add it to the menu of the Three Wise Men.
Personally, with a lens like the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, (if I could ask for an f/1.4) you have a camera for a while, to vibrate with Streetphoptography, documentary photography, travel, etc.
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