I at all times consider the Nikon Z fc as kickstarting a little bit of a miniature retro digital camera revolution. Earlier than its launch in 2021, no different producer had produced such a devoted illustration of a Seventies or Eighties movie SLR. The Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-T30 have been shut, however trendy appointments corresponding to grips betrayed the authenticity of the classic aesthetic (not essentially a nasty factor).
Even Nikon’s personal try at a film-inspired DSLR, the Nikon Df, ended up wanting like a vintage-modern crossbreed, with its deep grip and bulbous type issue.
The Nikon Z fc, then, threw warning to the wind and made a daring transfer. It took full benefit of its absent reflex mirror and allotted with a grip altogether, attaining a super-slim depth of simply 44mm. Nikon stated it was modelled after 1982’s legendary Nikon FM2 and, boy, did it look the half.
In February 2023, the Nikon Z fc Black was launched, a stealthy all-black tackle the unique digital camera’s silver appointments. Then got here the Nikon Zf in October that 12 months, a pure full-frame continuation of the Z fc’s faithfully classic formulation.
And most just lately, the parents at OM System got here out with the completely beautiful OM-3. One other gripless, retro surprise – and one which I can’t assist however ponder, might need regarded barely totally different if the Nikon Z fc hadn’t paved the way in which for that devoted SLR aesthetic.
However in 2025, the Nikon Z fc is in an odd place. This month marks its fourth birthday, however its tech is definitely nearing the six-year mark. That’s as a result of beneath that charming retro hood is a Nikon Z50; a digital camera that was launched method again in October 2019.
What’s extra, the discharge of the Nikon Z50 II earlier this 12 months has solely perpetuated the Z fc’s technical shortcomings. And you must surprise if Nikon will comply with the same tack by bringing out a Nikon Z fc II in late 2026 or early 2027.
So the ailing Z fc is kaput, then? Not essentially. I’m available in the market for an on a regular basis digital camera and I’ve no less than been pondering the opportunity of a Z fc. It’s usually discounted, might be discovered very moderately on the used market and the years have executed nothing to curb its attractiveness.
As is usually the case with older cameras, in case you’re coming at it from a video perspective, you’ve higher selections elsewhere. But when all you need is a stills digital camera that can implore you to choose it up daily – and I promise you it most actually will – there’s life within the Z fc but.
What actually disillusioned me in regards to the Nikon Z50 II (lack of IBIS apart) was that it makes use of the identical outdated 20.9MP BSI APS-C sensor because the last-gen Z-Sequence crop-sensor cameras. I used to be actually hoping Nikon would hike it as much as 24 or 26MP.
So, from a stills perspective, the Z50 II presents a leap in pace and efficiency, however not picture high quality. And by pace, I imply notably higher autofocus and burst taking pictures, all made doable by the newest era Expeed processor.
However right here’s the factor. The Nikon Z fc is rarely going to be the protect of wildlife or sports activities photographers. Its entire MO is about slowing issues down and having fun with the retro trip offered by the awkward type issue and bodily dials.
And whereas lenses that complemented it have been few and much between upon the digital camera’s launch, a wealth of low-cost Z-mount lenses – some with aperture rings – from the likes of TTArtisan, 7Artisans and Viltrox have made the Z fc an amazing little lens platform.
If all you need is a stills digital camera with a retro aesthetic that’ll take great-quality photographs, and also you’re not hellbent on ready for a hypothetical Z fc II, I feel the nice ol’ Nikon Z fc continues to be value it in 2025. However provided that you will get a cracking deal – they usually’re on the market. Try the finest Nikon Z fc offers!
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Try our Nikon Zf vs Z fc comparability to see which is Nikon’s finest retro digital camera. To see what else is up the Huge N’s sleeve, check out the finest Nikon cameras, together with the finest Nikon lenses for DSLRs and the finest Nikon Z lenses for mirrorless.