Nikon Z fc Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens

Almost identical to the Nikon Z50 internally, the Nikon Z fc produces the same excellent image quality with noise controlled well up to ISO 6,400. However, its handling is quite different as it has shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation dials which are combined with a PASM exposure mode...

• +

  Retro styling, Traditional exposure controls, Vari-angle touchscreen

• -

  No Auto setting on the ISO or shutter speed dials, Traditional exposure controls combined with PASM exposure mode switch, No joystick for setting the AF point

The Nikon Z fc is an unapologetically retro camera with all the mod cons you’d expect from a current mirrorless model. Its aluminium dials are a joy to operate and the body looks so pretty you’ll likely display the camera when it’s not in use. But the Z fc isn't all style and no substance.

• +

  Gorgeous styling, Solid specs, Well priced

• -

  Compromised ergonomics, 'Only' 20.9 megapixels, Lack of DX Z-mount lenses

Updated: 2021-06-29 Launched in June 2021 , Nikon Z fc is a 21.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, Fully articulated touch screen and Nikon Z lens mount.

• +

  Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi), Bluetooth Connectivity, Articulating Screen, 4K (UHD) Video, No crop on 4K Videos, Touch Screen, Electronic Built-in Viewfinder, Face Detection Focusing, 21.0MP - High Resolution Sensor, 51.200 Max ISO, 209 Focus Points, 1.040k dots LCD Resolution, 11.0fps Shooting w/...

• -

  No Sensor shift Image Stabilization, Low Battery Life: 300 shots, No Environmental Sealing

The Z fc is priced at $960 body-only, $1100 with a silver version of the 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR zoom and $1200 with the retro-looking 28mm F2.8 (SE) prime lens.

Nikon’s latest APS-C mirrorless camera harks back to its manual-focus film SLRs. Andy Westlake investigates whether there’s substance behind the retro whimsy

• +

  Retro styling will appeal to Nikon fans, Fine image quality up to ISO 12,800 at least, Large, clear viewfinder and fully articulated screen, Excellent autofocus performance

• -

  Slightly bulkier than its APS-C rivals, Very limited DX-format Z-mount lens options, Kit lenses don’t have aperture rings, Slab-shaped, grip-less body handles awkwardly, Auto ISO can only be engaged via the menu, Very few updates compared to the Z 50

Come for the style, stay for the performance

• +

  Striking old-school looks, Great autofocus performance, Useful flippy screen

• -

  No in-body image stabilisation, Not many retro-style Nikkor lenses (yet), No headphone input

We usually strive for objectivity here at Trusted Reviews, but it’s impossible to get away from the fact that one’s relationship with a camera (or any similar tech product, really) starts on an emotional level.

• +

  Gorgeous FE-inspired retro styling, Lightweight build, Fast, accurate AF, Vlogger friendly features, You want a portable camera with personality : The Z fc’s old-school styling and control set-up make it stand out from the mirrorless pack, and its portability makes it suited to travel and street...

• -

  No in-body stabilisation, No headphone input, You’re looking for cutting edge performance : The lack of in-body stabilisation isn’t unusual in a camera in this price range, but its inclusion would have brought the Z fc’s performance up a level.

The Nikon Z fc is a desirably retro-fashioned yet affordable entry point into Nikon’s growing Z series mirrorless camera lineup, providing access to a growing number of lenses and accessories.

• +

  Stylish design, Growing lens lineup, Manual controls, Touchscreen

• -

  ‘Only’ an APS-C sensor, Lacks the waterproofing

Amazing image quality - have been so impressed so far. Love the manual controls mixed with ability to use on full auto mode to suit the shooting situation. Have used this Z fc for both sports (soccer, tennis) shots with the 50-250mm DX Z zoom lens, as well as some close-ups and landscapes with the...

As a Nikon user since the 70's this has turned out to be a great addition. I love the nostalgic look and paired with the 24-200 and 50 micro its the travel trifecta. Hoping the additional grip eventually makes its way to the USA but that is matter of personal preference.

This was an anniversary present to my wife, but I couldn’t help picking it up and testing it out. For both of us, this was our first experience with a non-mirrored camera. To me this camera is an elegant blend of the best of analog dials and digital precision.

The Nikon Z fc brings me back to the 70’s and 80’s shooting film. The tactile feel of the dials and styling are what I used while learning the art. I shoot mostly in manual and adjusting the dials is much easier then maneuvering the digital screen.

This is a fantastic camera. I bought it for my wife and she loved it the minute she saw it. The thing she really likes are the dials on top of the camera, rather than hunting menus. She keeps the camera set on manual, usually at f/5.6.

The perfect little purse camera that's compact, but incredibly versatile! I use this all the time to take candid photos, and it never draws attention like my Z7ii.

Absolutely love the camera and design, got me back into photography!!

The buttons, dials, and the sound of this camera when the picture is taken is something else. Job well done

Light weight, feature packed and beautiful.Well done Nikon!

I am the first time buyer of a Nikon camera and one that was digital too. I love the feel of the camera body, the styling and camera controls for ease of use. The menu system, although new to me, is laid out well and simply ordered to understand.