Nikon Unveils Z fc APS-C Mirrorless Digital Camera

2021.06.29

This morning Nikon added a second APS-C mirrorless to their current lineup. The new digital camera reuses most technologies from the Z50 reviewed here yet places it into a completely different body.

The new Nikon Z fc packs the same 20 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Expeed 6 engine as the Z50 into a retro design that brings much more accessibility with its highly tactile interface. Outside of the fake leather wrapping, this mirrorless looks fantastic and extremely usable. It features dual control-dials plus dedicated EC, Shutter-Speed and ISO dials. Nikon cleverly avoid forcing to use two dials simultaneously by give the Shutter-Speed dial a 1/3-stop position that allows the rear control-dial to span 1/4000s - 900s exposures! The Z50 has a limit of 30s, so the 15 minute maximum exposure-time of the Z fc is its only true feature upgrade. The only downgrade is the loss of the built-in flash which allowed Nikon to make the Z fc more compact and very light.

A unique Exposure-Mode lever makes it clear which mode is active and avoid having to inject an A position into every direct-dial. Sensitivity can be set is 1/3-stops directly throughout the entire expanded ISO 100-204800 range of this mirrorless. The Exposure-Compensation dial is not so complete however. It allows for ±3 EV direct dialing or a control-dial can expanded EC to ±5 EV. A miniature display shows the currently set aperture which makes it possible to see all exposure parameters simply by looking at the top-plate.

There is really not much to say about the Nikon Z fc that is not covered in-depth in our Nikon Z50 review. The good news is that we already know that output quality is respectable. On the other hand, the 209-Point built-in Phase-Detect system is slower than its peers. The real limitation though of the Z fc is the same as the Z50, a lack of builtin image-stabilization.

While the EVF has been improved by a new OLED panel that brings better contrast at the same resolution and size as the standard viewfinder of the Z50, the rear LCD has taken two steps backwards. Not only is it smaller by 0.2" but it features an awkward and more fragile rotating hinge rather than tilting mechanism.

Along the new camera, Nikon launched the compact Nikkor Z 28mm F/2.8 SE. This extremely lightweight lens weighs just 160g while offering a moderately bright aperture. Its compact size comes at the expense of a lens hood mount yet it still sports a 52mm filter-thread. The rear mount is plastic which is likely to make this lens less durable than any other Z-mount offering. The new Nikon Z 28mm F/2.8 SE is styled to match the Nikon Z fc. At the same time, Nikon released a silver version of their DX 16-50mm F/3.5-6.3 VR lens for APS-C mirrorless.

A final development announcement also made the release. Nikon is working on another plastic zoom lens for APS-C Z-mount cameras, the DX 18-140mm F/3.5-6.3 VR. Little is known about this new lens but it should be similar to one Nikon already makes for their APS-C DSLR cameras.

Nikon is expected to ship the Z fc around one month from new for $900 USD or $1300 CAD. The Nikkor 28mm F/2.8 SE also ships around the same time-frame for $300 USD or $400 CAD. A $100 saving is possible by purchasing a kit that includes the new camera and lens. Reputable stores Adorama and B&H Photo are ready for pre-orders. Given that we know the performance of the Z50 and the appeal of the new Z fc design, this camera is expected to sell quicker.

• Digital Camera