Blending classic looks with modern performance, the Nikon Z fc checks off all the boxes on a content creator's wish list: stylish and sleek retro design, impressive image quality with the Z mirrorless system flexibility, and it's optimized for vlogging and video applications.
The Z fc is a DX-format mirrorless camera sporting a 20.9MP CMOS sensor, which pairs with EXPEED 6 image processing to realize quick shooting performance up to 11 fps, UHD 4K video recording at 30p, and sensitivity up to ISO 51200. Despite its classic looks, this camera is updated for contemporary content creation and features a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, supports live streaming, is compatible with external microphones, and has an advanced 209-point AF system with full-time subject tracking and eye-detection AF.
Focusing on the physical design, the Z fc stands out as a clear reference to Nikon's classic SLR film camera heritage, and features several familiar physical controls on the body, including dedicated dials to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. The body also features a 2.36m-dot OLED EVF and supports SnapBridge wireless connectivity for pairing with a mobile device for remote camera control. Also benefitting on-location shoots and longer takes, the Z fc also supports in-camera battery charging and on-the-go power via the USB Type-C port.
The DX-format 20.9MP CMOS sensor is paired with the EXPEED 6 image processor to provide a versatile mixture of high sensitivity, nuanced image quality, and fast overall performance. At native values, a sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200 permits working in a broad array of lighting conditions, and can be further expanded up to ISO 204800 for extreme low-light conditions. The mixture of resolution and sensor size also contributes to clean image quality and smooth color transitions with reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range. In addition to benefitting image quality, the EXPEED 6 processor also affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including a top full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 11 fps.
Besides imaging, the sensor's design also incorporates a 209-point hybrid autofocus system, which uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection methods to quickly and accurately acquire focus for both stills and video applications. This focusing system also supports Eye Detection AF, which uses facial recognition to help lock focus onto subjects' eyes.
Capable of recording more than just stills, the Z fc supports UHD 4K video recording at up to 30 fps and Full HD recording at up to 120 fps, for slow-motion effects, along with the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory card. In-camera time-lapse shooting is also possible.
Precision carved aluminum dials with engraved markings and mechanical controls for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. Intuitive functions also enable easy access to auto mode, quick settings, and the menu help guide.
Included with the camera body is the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens, an ultra-compact, lightweight FX-format prime lens with a traditional Nikon heritage design. This special edition lens is designed to be a versatile wide-angle lens well-suited to a range of subjects, including landscape, architecture, and reportage. With an f/2.8 max aperture, this fast, bright lens offers beautiful details at a standard focal length. Complementing the optical design, a multi-focus system, which employs two stepping motors, helps to realize impressively fast, accurate, and quiet focus performance, along with full-time manual focus override, to suit both stills and video needs. Additionally, a programmable control ring can be set for intuitive adjustment over a variety of camera and exposure settings. It makes for a great carry-around lens for spontaneous moments at any time of day.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Camera Format | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 21.51 Megapixel Effective: 20.9 Megapixel (5568 x 3712) |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.7 mm |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Exposure Control | |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 100 to 204800) |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode Time Mode Electronic Shutter 1/4000 to 900 Second Bulb Mode Time Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Matrix, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -4 to 17 EV |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 11 fps at 20.9 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Video | |
| Recording Modes | H.264/MOV/MP4 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p |
| Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto/Manual: 100 to 25600 |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input (Stereo) |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
| Webcam Functionality | Yes |
| Focus | |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 209 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -4.5 to +19 EV |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic (OLED) |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.39" |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 20 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 1.02x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -3 to +3 |
| Size | 3" |
| Resolution | 1,040,000 Dot |
| Display Type | Free-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Flash | |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Interface | |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Wireless | Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
| GPS | No |
| Physical | |
| Battery | 1 x EN-EL25 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.6 VDC, 1120 mAh (Approx. 300 Shots) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.3 x 3.7 x 1.8" / 13.5 x 9.4 x 4.6 cm |
| Weight | 13.8 oz / 390 g (Body Only) |
| Kit Lens | |
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Angle of View | 53° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.63" / 16 mm |
| Optical Design | 9 Elements in 8 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 52 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.8 x 1.7" / 7.1 x 4.3 cm |
| Weight | 5.6 oz / 159 g |
