Has Nikon Made My Perfect Personal Camera With the Z fc?

Has Nikon Made My Perfect Personal Camera With the Z fc?

I got a sneak peek at a pre-production version of the new Nikon Z fc and thought I’d share a handful of thoughts.

I should start by pointing out that this article is based on a pre-production version of the new Nikon Z fc provided to me by Nikon. I mention that early for two reasons. One, you may want to know that as a reader, although the opinions related here are my own. And two, because it might help to explain the subtle sound of welled-up tears in my voice as I know that this particular copy is only a loaner and that I don’t get to keep it.

I’m guessing from that opening statement, you might be able to predict my feelings about the camera. But let’s get into the details. I will begin my initial review of the camera by admitting that I’ve been waiting for a camera like this for a long time. I’ve been a Nikon user for my professional work for going on two decades now. My purchasing decisions when it comes to investing in tools for work have been less about scouring the market and more about waiting for Nikon to release the next high-resolution body once my current camera has run its course. Sticking to Nikon has always been as much practical as a matter of preference. I like the way Nikon’s professional cameras feel in my hand. But I have also already invested unspeakable sums of money over the years into lenses and accessories, and it simply makes financial sense to stay within the family.

Yet, there was always one area where I felt I was forced to commit a bit of light adultery. While my big-bodied, built-like-a-tank DSLRs have been true workhorses for me throughout the years, aside from my very first camera when I was just learning, my bigger cameras have never spent a great deal of time with me during off-hours. It’s not that I didn’t still yearn for the image quality. But, generally speaking, when I found myself going for a walk, or traveling, or simply trying to take pictures of the dog around the house, the DSLR bodies which were perfect for work suddenly felt cumbersome in my living room. Since 99% of the images I create are work-related anyway, this is hardly a major concern. But I always pined for a smaller and more nimble body to have with me at all times that wouldn’t draw so much energy or so much attention as to impede my ability to enjoy my day off.

My dog, Archibald, mugging for the camera.  Shot with a pre production Nikon Z fc.

Because Nikon hasn’t always had a mini model that appealed to me, in the past decade, I have tended to turn to Fuji for all my compact camera needs. I loved the tactile feel of the dials. I also always loved the styling. But before you think me a complete hipster, I should probably point out that my enjoyment of both the tactile shooting experience and the look of the cameras was less a matter of me wanting to buy the photographic version of a throwback jersey and more of me being old enough to have those cameras resemble the actual cameras I used when learning the art. There is something in the design that is at once familiar and also just different enough from my work DSLRs to offer me a fresh perspective when shooting for fun.

I’ve had several versions of the Fuji X bodies, but as much as I loved shooting with them for fun, they never were quite efficient enough or fully suitable for the needs of the type of work that I do professionally. So, my camera case always found itself segregated. The working camera, lenses, and accessories are in one case, the small portable stuff in another or, perhaps more likely, casually wedged into an empty space on the kitchen counter for easy access. Yet, the sheer Virgo in me always wished for a bit more of a streamlined approach. I liked the design of the Fuji X cameras, but I’m a Nikon-ian at heart. So, what I really wanted was a small portable camera from Nikon that could both give me the mental separation from shooting with my workhorse DSLRs and also still share some of the same lenses, accessories, and workflow from my main kit so that I wouldn’t have to double my expenses.

It took a hot second and beginning the transition from DSLR to mirrorless for Nikon to do it, but I do believe they may have finally come up with that camera that I’ve been waiting for.

Let’s get the caveats out of the way first. No, this camera is not going to replace my D850 or the Z 7II for my professional work. Nor was it intended to. Not that the camera isn’t perfectly capable of producing “professional” images. But this camera is best suited for personal work. It’s a completely different mentality. I mentioned how much I love the tactile feel of dials. But, truth be told, top dials are far less efficient than the front and rears dials found on DSLRs or top-level mirrorless that can be easily adjusted without removing your eye from the viewfinder. There’s a reason why camera manufacturers moved toward the simpler front and rear dial design. It’s faster. But, despite having both top dial options as well as front and rear dial options, the Z fc isn’t about speed. It’s about taking the time to really enjoy the process of taking an image. It’s about being mindful of your exposure settings and the audible joy of hearing that single click. I might not have time for all of those things when I’m at work with a client standing over my shoulder. But when I’m shooting for fun, that is exactly the type of experience that I want to have.

As a side note, this would probably also be the perfect camera for someone who is just learning photography. At under $1000 or just over $1000 with one of the kit lenses, it’s not an unrealistic investment, relatively speaking. Also, the tactile experience is incredibly useful when you are starting out and really trying to internalize the effects of your exposure triangle. While turning the knobs is a pleasurable experience, it also forces you to be cognizant of each change you make. For someone just learning, this type of conscious image-making is essential.

Other reviewers I’ve read have noted the similarities between the Z fc and the Nikon Z 50. They both have similar 20.9-megapixel DX sensors and somewhat comparable feature sets. Personally, I’ve never shot with a Z 50. So, I can’t give you a detailed side-by-side analysis. From a sheer ergonomics standpoint, the obvious difference would be that the D 50 has a deeper grip, whereas the Z fc is much flatter. If you are someone, like me, with bigger hands, you might prefer the studier hold you will get with the Z 50, especially if you are using it for your work camera and want something with a bit more rugged feel. For someone with clumsy fingers like me, smaller cameras always present something of a challenge, which is why my professional bodies tend towards the larger size, as the added real estate makes it less likely I will accidentally activate an unintended setting.

The Z fc clearly turns up the style points by comparison. No, the way a camera looks isn’t its most important attribute. But, looking good doesn’t exactly hurt. During my few weeks with the pre-production unit, I made a point of bringing the Z fc with me pretty much every time I left the house. I am pleased to say that its presence neither prevented me from accessing any desired activities, nor did the sleek black and silver finish ever conflict with my fashion choices. The small and slim package, along with the silver 16-50mm kit rarely drew unwanted attention. Its petite profile makes it a very good choice for street photography when you want to be able to shoot candidly on the street without raising your fellow citizens' ire by pulling out a heavy camera and an even heavier telephoto lens.

Speaking of lenses, with my pre-production unit I received the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens. It’s a super-compact 24-75mm equivalent which includes Vibration Reduction. Now, if you’ve read any of my previous articles about Nikon gear, you might pick up on the fact that I tend to prefer lenses that do not need to be unlocked prior to use. The DX 16-50mm, on the other hand, is more like the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, which requires you to turn the barrel and extend the lens ever so slightly before it can be put into use. As someone with a limited attention span and a desire to move as quickly as possible, I’ve never been a big fan of having to unlock the lens first. I feel like I will always forget to unlock it at the key moment and miss a shot.

Of course, there’s a reason for the design. Having the locking mechanism, allows the lens to collapse to its absolute minimal form when it isn’t in use. This can really come in handy when packing the lens into an already overloaded suitcase or when walking long distances between potential shooting locations. And while I still prefer my lenses to always be ready to go, I will admit that the collapsible locking design makes a lot of sense when using a super-compact camera like the Z fc. Even at full extension, the DX 16-50mm, which comes in at a mere 135 g, is never a lens that you are going to consider to be exactly hefty. You won’t be placing any undue stress on your neck when carrying it around with you on long excursions. And the 24-75mm equivalent zoom range is very useful for general everyday photography. Of course, you could also opt for the kit with the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime. That offers a small size and FX capabilities. The Z 28mm is roughly a 42mm equivalent on the Z fc body.  But, if you are already a Z 6II or Z 7II user, it will also allow you to use that lens on the full frame bodies as well.

As this was a pre-production unit without the final firmware, I can’t give you an in-depth analysis of image quality. Nikon has never given me a reason to doubt image quality before. And I suspect, though I haven’t done the comparison myself, that the image quality would be very similar to what you would get with the Z 50. So, if you have experience with that camera, I think it should give you some idea of what to expect. During the limited pre-release time I’ve had the camera, I haven’t been able to yet open the raw files in Capture One, as is my normal workflow. So, I’ve been shooting everything in raw plus JPEG in order to review the files. The straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are looking good so far. But, again, it makes sense to hold off on any pixel peeping until I get my hands on a final production unit.

Truth be told, image quality is simply not the most important reason why I find myself drawn to this camera. Sure, image quality is important. But assuming they uphold the Nikon tradition, which the initial straight out of camera JPEGs seem to suggest that they have done, users of the Z fc should be perfectly satisfied in the image quality department. But what sets the Z fc apart from any other products in the Nikon line is the user experience.

This is a camera built for people who love the art of photography and want to indulge their inner shutterbug by luxuriating as much in the process as in the end result. As an example, one of the first things I noticed about the Z fc was, of all things, the shutter button. I can honestly say that of all the cameras I’ve owned through the years, the shutter button has never before been a major attraction. But there is something about the curve and smoothness of this particular shutter button that really made for an enjoyable press. I realize that is both a wholly subjective and somewhat random observation. But I can’t lie. I just loved pressing down on the shutter. The accompanying sound of the shutter click didn’t exactly make me dislike the camera either. The sound on the shutter click is somehow familiar. It almost sounds like you are shooting with one of Nikon’s legacy film cameras. In the mirrorless age, I don’t fully know what exactly goes into making the specific shutter sound a camera makes. But, whatever they did with this one, they got it right.

That shutter sound also reminds you that the camera has a very respectable shooting speed. Shooting up to 11 fps, I never found myself left wanting when capturing fast-moving objects. This is hardly a sideline sports shooter. But for practical real-world use, I’ve found the frame rate to be more than sufficient for anything from street photography to capturing birds and butterflies that suddenly appear for a photo op. 

I’m also finding the autofocus speed to be surprisingly good. At moments, it almost felt like the focus is snappier on the Z fc than on some of the full frame Z bodies I’ve shot with. I haven’t done any side-by-side testing, and I’m guessing my mind may have been playing tricks on me at the moment. But the fact that such a thought even crept into my mind in the first place should give you an idea of the camera’s capabilities.

With all the legacy touches like the film shutter click and the top dials, I also have found myself enjoying the most modern innovation. I know that a fully articulating LCD screen is a dividing point for many users. Some love it. Some hate it and think LCD screens should only tilt up and down rather than swinging all the way around to face the front. I’ve found myself on both sides of the debate depending on the shooting scenario. But, in the case of an ultra-portable walkaround camera like the Z fc, the fully articulating screen is a perfect addition. From a practical standpoint, you don’t necessarily need to be a vlogger to want to take a selfie from time to time. And, given that the form factor of the Z fc means that it will be used heavily as a travel camera or when hanging out with friends, the ability to flip the screen around and take a quick shot of yourself in front of the Taj Mahal is more of a plus than a hindrance.  

Personally, I have come to love fully articulating screens for a reason that perhaps they may not have been intended. Generally speaking, I hate screens. I’ve only begrudgingly accepted EVFs into my life while still preferring optical viewfinders. While even DSLRs have LCD screens, I’ve never been one to constantly review images on them. And live view? Fuggedaboutit. I am a straight eye to the back of the camera guy. Live view is for cell phones. 

Okay, I’m exaggerating for fun. But I truly can count the number of times I’ve taken a still photograph with the LCD screen of a camera on one hand. So, that should give you some indication of my preference. And that’s why I love fully articulating screens, but not because of how they look when pulled all the way out. I love them because you can flip them around and completely close them on the back of the camera as well. It’s almost like the LCD doesn’t exist at all. I love being able to do this with any camera. With a camera that is intentionally designed to feel like old film cameras that never had LCD screens to begin with, having a screen that you can make disappear is a perfect choice.

If this initial thoughts article has come off as somewhat effusive, it’s because I honestly can’t think of too many negatives to the Z fc. As stated earlier, no, it is not going to replace your DSLR or top-line mirrorless cameras for heavy professional work. But, it’s not supposed to. Instead, I envision this to be a camera that will appeal to both pro users and enthusiasts alike. Pro users will enjoy the change of pace and being able to have an additional low-cost body for personal shooting when they don’t want to carry their main workhorse. Enthusiasts will appreciate the camera's lower price point, ease of use, and styling that really encourages you to take it with you when you leave the house.

In fact, the only item Nikon left on my wishlist is the somewhat obvious elephant in the room. As wonderful as this camera is, I can’t help but imagine the same camera with a full frame sensor. Despite Nikon allowing me to test out the Z fc, I can confirm that I have absolutely no idea whether a full frame version of the Z fc is in the works. But I can confirm that was such a camera to exist, my money might just log on to B&H and spend itself.  

As someone who is both a photographer and a cinematographer, I would of course love it if the Z fc had a more robust feature set on the video front as well. If you need things like a 10-bit external log or raw video upgrades, then you are definitely better off going with one of the full-sized Z bodies. But again, this is not the camera meant for that type of work. It’s meant more for casual shooting, especially casual still shooting. But if you happen to be on that vacation to see the Taj Mahal, it is more than capable of creating clean 4K footage up to 30 fps.

As is, I definitely see a Z fc in my future. The only sad thing is that, sooner or later, I will have to send this test unit back. Unless I make a run for it. I’m really considering making a run for it. 

Christopher Malcolm's picture

Christopher Malcolm is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle, fitness, and advertising photographer, director, and cinematographer shooting for clients such as Nike, lululemon, ASICS, and Verizon.

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25 Comments

Thank you very much! I prefer this kind of article to technical reviews, as technical aspects are becoming less and less important. It seems that all cameras are very good these days. I would also not use the screen most of the time and turn it away. The camera is similar in appearance to my old silver Nikon FA.

I get very bored by online conversations comparing, for example, lenses and going on about sharpness and bokeh rendering like that is the only way to judge a lens. Same with cameras as megapixels and video specs dominate conversations 😑.

Agreed!

I may be the last of a dying breed here, but I really enjoy "reading" an article rather than being linked to a YouTube video. I stayed up late when the Z fc was to be announced to get in quick with the preorders. Hopefully, I'm days away from my B&H shipping notice. I still have my "old" Df and it will probably be the last DSLR in my cabinet when all is said and done. Is it as good as my other gear? No. Is it my first choice when I travel? No. Do I love it? Yes. It changes the experience of photography for me in a good way. I expect the same from the Z fc. It's not going to replace the more rugged gear in my kit but I anticipate it will go in my pocket and out with me a lot more than an entire backpack of gear. Can't wait.

You're far from the last. I hate videos. They're the slowest way of conveying information ever devised by the mind of man.

I too enjoyed this article after numerous preview “reviews” and ad nauseam perusing of the specs. I have been waiting for a camera like this (sorry Fuji: you almost had me. I am sure your cameras are excellent.)
After extensive experience with a D700 I am, like you, excitedly waiting on my preorder to be delivered. Can’t wait. I expect it to be a great hybrid experience between the D700 and my old Canon AT-1 film SLR from my younger days. Digital with old school controls at last.

One thing you will find with a retro camera: you will be accused of using a "real" camera, meaning film. I've got this with my silver Olympus OM-Ds, particularly the silver Pen-F, and the Fujifilm X-Pro1. Tends to mostly require a prime lens, though... folks seem to forget that film cameras had big zooms, too.

In practical terms, though, hving every control under a thimb or finger is pretty handy, too. Retro is styling, sure, but based on 100+ years of camera use sonetimes forgotten about in the modern era.

Hmmm- pinhole and various formats with lenses are all real cameras whether film or digital. Music moved to digital recording a long time ago. Same with film vs video.
As a painter I found the oil painters considered themselves the only real painters, even though casein, tempera and watercolor and acrylic are all painting mediums.
I imagine the egg tempera people hated oil painters: until they made the switch.
The arts always evolve with new technology, but there is still room for older media and equipment.

Nikons just look and feel 'real'. Serious but not pretentious.

Nice pun, a mini model for a Mini Pincher. My favorite type of dog.

My issue with the Z fc is the same issue I had with Fujifilm when I bought my first mirrorless: lens choices. I love the idea of a retro mirrorless as, for my street photography, the dials would be very beneficial meaning I could set the exposure without having to switch the camera on. I also like and use manual lenses, except I don’t like adapters or native lenses without electronic contacts. For me, at this stage, Voigtlander announcing a 35mm lens for X mount would push me in the direction of Fujifilm, if I were in the market for a new camera. As it is, I use an A7III and Voigtlander 40mm E mount and have no real desire to change systems. Having to switch the camera on just to adjust exposure is a bit annoying but I’m used to it now.

Yep, in the spirit of the FM2 and older small bodies - and they cripple it with the smaller sensor instead of a full 35mm film equivalent.

Honestly if I didn't have my X100F I would seriously consider this. it looks like a fun and enjoyable camera which is what photography should be as and experience. good write up.

I loved this article.

Thank you

I like older camera designs, but this one really just turns me off. Fuji's XT's and Xpro's are just better in virtually every way. Especially when we're talking about out of camera color profiles, which is really what type of role these camera's are supposed to fill. If you have to do out of camera editing like it's a DSLR, then it's not really worth it. Part of the magic is being able to not have to edit, that's part of the point of downsizing or going for that mechanical/classic feel. Nikon honestly has a terrible out of camera look, and not many options on that either.

I’m sorry but there really is more data in RAW files that with good post processing transcend JPG files. I have never found it to be a burden to work with RAW files. On the contrary, it is a pleasure and allows me to take full command of the final image. Camera physical size has nothing to do with it.
If you prefer to settle for JPG fine, but I think it a mistake to generalize, especially in such arbitrary fashion. There are those that would say shooting JPG only is turning a fine piece of equipment into a “point and shoot”, which also misses the mark unless perhaps you are shooting in full auto.
This camera has so much to offer that settling for the constraints of compressed files seems a shame. But whatever. To each their own.

The beauty of a little bit of RAW post processing is you can, for example, adjust parts of the image with dodge and burn to draw people's eyes to certain parts of the image. That is something a jpg out of camera wont be able to do. Having your own unique and consistent style is another benefit.

I very much agree with you. It is not uncommon for me to have a rethink about the direction to push the RAW capture, ending up with multiple versions before settling on a final product. This is especially helpful when assembling images into a cohesive body of work. Different people might process the same image for different results.
It is more about aesthetic exploration and expression rather than thinking there is one ideal or “perfect” standard result.
JPG images straight out of camera are relying on the engineers’ and code writers’ idea of a standardized processing of an image.

You are a disgruntled Fuji owner, aren't you? Every time an article of the Z fc is published, the forum will have one or more Fuji owners, sounding like Nikon somehow stepped on tier toes.

Nikon have picture controls that have the exact same function as Fuji's color profiles. Just like Canon have Picture Style, Sony have its Creative Style, and Olympus and Panasonic also have Profiles on their own.
Each and every one of them, you can apply in camera, edit in camera, export and import, download of the internet, and change the look of your picture just like you want to.

Sure, they don't have fancy names Like Velvia (even though you can rename them to that if you want to), but their function is the same, to give a special feel to your pictures.
Nikon give you 28 right out of camera + 8 empty slots for your own import.

https://nikonpc.com/

This is such a great article. Thanks for this.
You conveyed exactly what I felt when I preordered mine.
It is not only about the spec, but also about the emotion.

Should you decide to buy one, then I hope you have many a fun time with it and that it will give you good memories.

If I didn't already own a Z50 I'm sure I'd get a Z fc. I've had great times with the Z50 and this new retro beauty really appeals to me.

As an oldster (and designer) I pine for a good-looking, small mirrorless camera. I have an X-Pro3 and only use manual focus lenses on it. Like our man here, I "normally" shoot Nikon (D850 and Z6). But, as most of my work is personal, I find that Fujifilm cameras are more often around my neck than the superior Nikons! The Zfc is not going to make me switch because, like so many of us in this niche group, I desperately want a full-frame retro camera. Leicas are expensive. But worse for me is that I dislike rangefinder style focussing. I ache for a top-of-the-range EVF. Using focus peaking is the antithesis of retro and isn't accurate with a super fast lens (f/0.95). It is altogether the opposite of fun. The kit zoom lens on the Zfc looks awful, it couldn't look more like a compact camera lens if it tried! So I will wait, probably in vain, for camera manufacturers to finally make the ultimate niche retro yet digital camera, with only a handful of potential buyers. Then I will complain that something isn't quite right!

I picked up a Zfc recently to replace my Fuji X-Pro2 for my travel camera. It is a very capable camera and I have no regrets. The 16-50 lens is smaller/lighter than anything Fuji has to offer. I prefer the articulating screen for low perspective shooting and the long exposure capability (up to 900sec) provides addition creative possibilities. I also found an adapter/speed booster that allows me to use my old MF primes closer to their intended focal length: https://zyoptics.net/product/mitakon-lens-turbo-adapter-mark-ii-for-z-mo...

So far, I'm pleased with the results this setup gives new life to my old lenses and makes it a very capable street shooter.

I got back in to photography a few tears ago, having sold off my Nikon F4s setup in the late 90’s.
At the time, I did not like the direction camera companies were going. AF lenses completely put me off - gone was the delightful tactile experience of clicking through aperture settings and the fluid feel of focusing a well made lens. Instead lenses felt like hollow plastic tubes.
When getting back into photography a few years ago, I was delighted to see Fujifilm leading the charge for those of us who prefer the old way if shooting. I got a used xPro2 and really liked it. After trying and returning a couple of Fujifilm’s very nice AF x mount lenses (still not a fan), I explored adapting vintage glass (Contax/Zeiss, Nikkor ED, etc) and thought I’t hit a home run.
Since then, I’ve traded up to a used Leica CL with adapted M lenses (Leica and Voightlander), and find the shooting experience to be another level. I shoot full manual in EVF only mode (no rear screen unless a menu button is pressed, which is rarely). It is an interim step towards an M-10R or M-11, and I see a used SL or SL2 on the horizon to handle primary camera duty.

It is great to see that Nikon is staying in this small but important market. However, now that I’ve gotten myself into the Leica food chain, I cannot see myself shooting anything else. The shooting experience hits all of my buttons.

My used CL with vintage (mint) Summicron 40/2 can be had for under $3,000. Currently my sweet spot. Here it is with the excellent Voightlander 35/1.2 ASPH.
I love seeing these retro-friendly cameras holding their own.

Keep it real, shooting what you like, and never forget that all we really need is the exposure triangle. 😀