We each received the new Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera this week, so we’re sharing our hands-on first impressions. We’ll go through the features we like, and discuss a few areas for improvement. Also, we’ll compare the Nikon Z fc to the Nikon Z 50, and discuss which camera we’d recommend for our listeners.
I just received the new Nikon Z fc camera kit with 16-50mm DX lens. You might be asking why I would purchase this camera, seeing as how I already have a Nikon Z 7 ii. The answer comes down to size and weight.
The Nikon Z fc is a 20-megapixel, DX (APS-C) format mirrorless camera. While much has been hyped about it’s retro look (it does look a lot like my 1978 Nikon EL2), that’s only part of its charm. With the kit lens, the Nikon Z fc weighs in at around 576g. That’s less than half the weight of my Nikon Z 7 ii + 24-70 f/4 combo. This camera can easily fit into a jacket pocket.
The top controls include dials for ISO and Shutter Speed. Aperture is set via the front command dial, or you can configure the lens function ring to change aperture. There’s a tiny LCD panel on the top of the camera that displays the aperture (f-stop) value. There’s also an exposure compensation dial that ranges from ±3 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
The Nikon Z fc has a range of user-customizable options, including the i-Menu, and user-assignable functions for the front Fn1 button and the movie record button. There are fewer custom function buttons than what you’ll get on the larger Z6 and Z7 cameras, and there’s no Sub-Selector joystick.
Probably the biggest difference between the Z fc and other Nikon mirrorless cameras is the way the rear LCD is mounted. The rear LCD panel flips out from the side, rather than the top or bottom. This mounting arrangement allows you to use the LCD from the front of the camera (selfie mode), or rotate it to be completely covered and protected.
I’ll be putting the Nikon Z fc through its paces, but for now I’m pleased with its build quality and overall design.
Check Pricing and Configurations for the Nikon Z fc Mirrorless Digital Camera
This week, we spent some time handling the new Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, and we’ll give our impressions of the “other” macro lens for Nikon Z-mount.
Software updates
Both Capture One and Luminar AI got updates this week, and we’ll tell you what new features you’ll get when you upgrade.
This week, we’re back from leading the Colorado in Bloom workshop in Crested Butte, and we have a follow-up on our thoughts using the new Nikon MC 105mm f/2.8 S VR macro lens. We’ll then dive into the recently updated Nik Collection Plugins by DXO, which adds some significant new features to Silver Efex Pro and Viveza. While there are still some rough edges in the software, Rick and Jason both feel it is a worthy upgrade and plan on using it in their own workflows.
This week, our good friend and show listener, Andy MacDonald, joined us to talk about his recent experience photographing the Kansas City air show using his Sony A7R4 mirrorless camera.
