Review: Nikon Z fc camera
Nikon’s last Z fc camera is based on the classic styling of the Nikon FE 35mm film cameras.
Nikon’s last Z fc camera is beautiful technology. Based on the classic styling of the Nikon FE 35mm film cameras and brimming with the latest technology, there is so much to like and enjoy with the Z fc. Opening the packaging reveals a magnesium case covered with a faux leather case in classic black or 6 other colours to suit your mood.
However, the casing covering the camera body is plastic and that somewhat detracts from the retro quality build appeal of a camera based on the FE classics.
The large clearly engraved dials control ISO, camera settings from auto to program to shutter priority to aperture priority. Full manual control is situated under the ISO dial providing a native range of 100 to 51,200. There is a hot shoe mount, exposure control dial and a switch to go between movies and stills. There’s the shutter button, exposure compensation movie recording start / stop and a control panel that reveals the aperture. Frankly this dial is so small it is basically useless. Front and rear command dials and a rear toggle button in the typical Nikon mould are present.
There are push buttons that open the digital menu, reveal the current settings, image zoom and image disposal.
The digital menu is typical Nikon and if you are familiar with Nikon’s menu, you will be instantly at home with setting up the camera.
There is a fully articulated monitor that makes this an ideal vlogging and video capture. You can connect a microphone to the hot shoe and connect via a cable to the mini-HDMI port on the camera for quality sound. For stills you have the option of the OLED viewfinder that gives 100 per cent frame coverage.
Finally, there is a 20.9 MP APS-C sensor with a maximum frame rate of 11fps. On the video side there is 4K 30 fps or high speed full HD120fps.
It looks so good.
One of the best things in my view is the Nikon FTZ lens adaptor. Anyone moving from a Nikon DSLR to a Nikon mirrorless can use their existing lens collection rather than having to purchase an entirely new set of Z mount lenses. Remember, there is a limited number of Z lenses currently available.
The camera was supplied with a Nikon Z mount 28mm f2.8 lens. This is an excellent lens which on the APS-C sensor gives a 35mm equivalent of 42mm.
I set out to discover how versatile this camera could be. I mounted it to a Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 lens and the FTZ adaptor and went out to capture some wildlife. The camera body felt a touch unwieldy however it performed very well. The images of pelicans landing in the water were captured with the camera, lens and adaptor mounted on a monopod.
Overall, the quality is very good. Next up I mounted the camera on a tripod with a Wimberly gimbal and I was able to track precisely any wildlife. This set-up would be ideal for capturing surfing.
Next, I mounted the Z fc to a Nikon 70-200 f 2.8 with a 1.4 teleconverter and the FTZ adaptor. The shots of the Little Corella’s playing inside the street-light, the Kookaburra and Rainbow Lorikeet were all captured with this set-up handheld. Again, the quality is very good.
Finally, I took a few shots using the 28mm f 2.8 Z lens at sunrise and the results are great.
Moving to video mode and this is where the Z fc really shines, making such capture effortless. Used with a vlogging tripod and ML-L7 wireless shutter control, it is effortless to record quality video. All captured with the built in autofocus providing quality video.
From here simply connect your camera via a USB C cable and stream to your computer using any of the compatible video software available or simply download the free Nikon webcam. You can also pair your camera to a smart phone for wireless transfer of stills and video and then for instant upload to social media via Nikon Snapbridge.
In summary this camera is ideal for someone taking up photography and wanting to move with the market flow of mirrorless technology. If you are a Nikon user looking to upgrade to mirrorless from one of the D3000 or D5000 DSLR series cameras, you will not regret the Z fc and it will open the vlogging and video market for you. Plus, you have the option of using your existing lens collection with the FTZ adaptor.
Nikon has provided a road map of Z lenses so you will be able to have some idea of what is planned and when they may be released. For me, the 24-200mm f4.0 to 6.3 would be top of my list as it would provide an excellent start to what is coming. You would be able to cover some landscape / seascape photography, family portraits or pet portraits and wildlife and sport.
One thing also worth noting is the eye focus for portraiture, easily allowing focus on the subjects’ eyes and drawing the viewer to the point of focus.
With a current market price of under $1500.00 you will get a versatile camera that is very capable of providing quality stills and video, plus the option of vlogging with the articulated screen.,
The camera is not perfect, and I found a few annoying issues. The lack of a grip when using a large lens leaves you feeling likely to drop the camera. I am certain third party manufacturers will fill this gap quickly. The faux leather covering feels very slippery, adding to the insecurity or unwieldy feeling of using a large lens on this body.
Overall the Nikon Z fc is an outstanding entry level camera.
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Value for money, simply outstanding; Probably the best entry level camera on the market; Image quality, stills and video; Classic look, it just does not get any better; Ease of use for excellent results; OLED View Finder; Fully articulated monitor; FTZ adaptor
Cons: The top control panel, sorry it is next to useless as you can’t see it; the plastic covering on the body; slippery feel of the faux leather; the lack of Z lenses currently available.
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