Nikon Z fc REVIEW: DON'T BUY UNTIL YOU WATCH THIS!!!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2021
- FROPACK3 is HERE with 15 all-new custom Lightroom presets!!! Check it out
froknowsphoto.com/fropack3/ (40% OFF)
This is a REVIEW of the Nikon Z fc, this camera kind of has an identity crisis. Is it for the old school shooters who want to still shoot manual, or is it for the fashion conscious younger generation? One will appreciate the manual controls and the other will like them just because they look cool....yet they will toss the camera in auto and never use the manual dials.
The Super Huger Mega Camera Giveaway is BACK!!! You could walk away with $4,999 to buy Cameras and Lenses. Enter Here bit.ly/megafro2021
This video was filmed with the Canon EOS R5 Canon.us/r5fro
Download MyGearVault, it's FREE and the best way to keep track of all your camera gear, receipts, prices paid, date purchased and more mygearvault.com/#download
Get a FREE Guide To Capturing Motion In Low Light Situations froknowsphoto.com/ (look for the orange box)
Want to send us gifts, swag, letters...here's our P.O. BOX
PO Box 3715 Philadelphia, PA 19125
USE CODE FroKnowsPhoto at squarespace.com/froknowsphoto to get your 14 day FREE Trial.
Gear I USE
I SHOOT RAW T-Shirts store.froknowsphoto.com/
I support Allen's Camera a mom-and-pop Camera store that's been around since 1977. allenscamera.com/fro
My Go To Mirrorless Camera for Stills
Sony a1 amzn.to/2NHsm55 or bit.ly/3ccKZrt
SIGMA 35mm f1.2 amzn.to/2rLO8Jr (FAVE LENS)
Our go to Cameras for Recording Videos at FroKnowsPhoto
Canon EOS R5 amzn.to/37GQQ5R or bit.ly/2Obaj40
Canon EOS R6 amzn.to/3m6JHQ9 or bit.ly/38GIdXt
The Microphone I use for Vlogging bit.ly/2LWGRPq
My Rolling Bag Of Choice For Flying bit.ly/2LNsHRK
Follow me
►TH-cam: bit.ly/frotube
►Facebook: / froknowsphoto
►Instagram: / jaredpolin
►Twitter: / froknowsphoto
Please help us continue to make FREE content
by purchasing one or all of the FroKnowsPhoto
Educational guides. To check out previews of
each guide click here.
►froknowsphoto.com/guides
#FroKnowsPhoto #JaredPolin #NikonZfc
I don't understand why these reviewers are saying that it is made up of plastic, even though it is clearly stated in the nikon website that it is made up of magnesium alloy.
they're just used to handling six thousand dollars camera bodies...
Most camera makers are making their products feel cheap but continuing to charge more. They are using cheaper materials and continuing to charge premium prices to consumers. This Z fc feels like a cheap toy. Not worth what they are asking.
@@jnd2415 You’re talking absolute rubbish. The only part of it you can even remotely call cheap is the battery door. It’s only about $800 which is hardly expensive for a camera in 2023. Too many people want flagship specs in a bargain basement price
@@iainm1594ZF did it all
@@iainm1594So true. When I purchased this camera I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality because of the influencers saying it’s cheap plastic. When in fact, like you, the only part I felt was flimsy was the battery door. For the people complaining that it doesn’t weight enough, that’s kind of the point with this camera. A light weight fun camera body for approximately $859.
This might be the best review I have watched by Polin. No hyperbole, no hysteria, no inane silliness. Just very balanced and fair.
Apart from the dipshit title, that is...
Absolutely agree! If he pronounced ‘Nikon’ properly instead of ‘Nycon’ it’d be perfect! 😅
My thought exactly. I was really hesitant to watch this because of everything you said
As a Z user myself, I think it’s probably best to use single point for the non-moving subjects (even the girl sitting and the guy steering the boat). I use dynamic area AF for when I want to shoot as if I were using single point, but the subject could potentially move off of the single point unexpectedly. For example, I use dynamic for my kid’s soccer games.
One of the reasons they're not selling the grip is the US Is: (1) Your always criticising them.
The z50 which I have and the Z fc combined with the Viltrox 23mm and 56mm F1.4 lenses are a killer combination. I used the 23mm and 56mm at a low light indoor event wide open with the z50 and they performed flawlessly. They are the perfect additions and given their price range are an absolute steal.
Do you get two programmable rings with the Viltrox lenses?
Good to know, thanks!
I actually ordered mine the night they were announced. I'm quite happy with it. It's a great 2nd camera to my Z6II as the experience is quite different.
Great review. I bought one as soon as it was released, almost sent it back straight away as it felt like a toy out of the box, but the more you handle it the better it gets. Taking a while to learn the menus though. I got an arca plate grip from Smallrig, it fits really well. I have used my Nikkor 200-500 on the Z fc and it works really well.
Owning one myself I was extremely happy when Smallrig introduced their grip for the camera. It is an enjoyable camera to shoot with as an everyday carry.
Great review Jared! Hope all is well and the book is progressing great.
This review was surprisingly more positive than I thought you were going to be.
I think there's a lot of people that will love this camera. Slap it on shutter(or aperture) priority and enjoy taking the shot.
10 years ago we had a boom in entry level dslr and that's pretty much died down now. I think this is a great marketing move from nikon that will pull in new users into their market.
The problem is that is makes no sense to make an apsc z-mount camera when all the good glass is for full frame - unnecessarily heavy, expensive and in a different style. Fujifilm has covered this niche. Now, a full frame zfc would be something new!
This camera is cute. That's it 😆.
I like the dials OK there I said it, but I am afraid people like us old farts will rush in based on dials alone and regret it after?
Me had 40 Nikon Bodys since 1977 and still hold about 7 around here...
I liked the Df and i like the Zfc.
@@MickeyKodak Cute for sure!
I have put three Z prime lenses (35MM, 50mm, 85mm F1.8) on the Zfc and Z50 cameras that I own and they work fantastic too. Fixed the camera from going to sleep while streaming or doing videos. Set it to infinity in the menu, power on also and while in your streaming software pick your scene with the Zfc while it is on and pop out the battery. Pop it back on and it will not time out. Thank you Peter Gregg for this info!
I was expecting more snark and ended up with a fantastic review and some great insight. You really did great with this video Fro =)
Thanks Jared. I was waiting for this review.
Thanms again for another great review, i hope you dont mind but how do you record the camera screen as you navigate it ? Really appreciate it man thank you
Definitely one of my favorite videos, thanks for keeping it real. Nikon users can respect these reviews!!! This video makes me want a Zfc as a backup/fun camera.
Good review for the many practical insights you provide. I’ve used the Z50 for close to two years. Completely agree with your observations on the image output. Its like Nikon does some masterful tone curve application on the raw files. If i lost my z50 or it died, i would opt for a zfc instead of the z50. The 50’s use of ‘control buttons’ on the glass of the rear LCD glass is a problem. You are always bumping those by mistake, throwing off your settings. Plus i like the flip out screen for when shooting vertically. One can buy a variety of inexpensive grips to manage its soap bar shape.
Thanks for this content Jared!
I was waiting so anxiously for this review, Jared! Thank you very much for doing it to us.
I think the Z fc, even with this identity crisis and lack of IBIS, is a positive step on Nikon's mirrorless world. A slight evolution on Z50. Honestly, wnat makes me want the Z fc more than the Z50 is the improved AF, screen and USB-C charge while using the camera.
Now what I hope is a more variety of DX lenses from Nikon themselves and for third party manufacturers, because adapting old lenses with the FTZ may bother some people and 'contain' the full potencial of Z DX cameras.
I love the Nikon NEFs..... It really does keep me into the nikon system
I work with all types of cameras and NEFs are great.... And extremely important to me
Your photos look great
the best review i ever seen... well done Jared..👍👍👍👍
Purchased one last week in Australia, and didn’t have to pay extra for a colour choice! (Although the Australian price was slightly ridiculous) 😬 also disagree about only using it for fashion or the dials, I’m an enthusiast and bought it for both reasons!
I grew up using a Nikon FE and before that a Nikkromat F. The challenge I have with modern digital cameras is having to dig through menus to do things and not having things at your fingertips. This camera intrigues me because you can effectively use it as you used an old film camera.
There was a time when we didn’t have all of this automation in our cameras, and we managed to get some pretty stellar results. Oh, and we only had 36 exposures on the roll of film ISO (ASA) was fixed.
BTW, Awesome Seinfeld reference.
After reviewing all the pros and cons about the Zfc, would you recommend this camera for star or milky way photography?
love this jared, when a review focuses more on the experience rather than the specs :) more power to your channel
Excellent review. Balanced and focused on image quality as well as usability.
Small rig grip and Voigtlander M-mount lenses… forget the kit lens and auto focus… i opted to go full manual… really happy with the setup
I didn't know about the Smallrig grip for this. Solidified my choice for this over the regular Z50. I have a few old manual focus Nikon lenses I'd love to use. Thanks for the info.
I bought the Z fc and Í am verry happy 👍🏻
You know another reviewer had real good feedback for that kit lens too (Ken Rockwell). Cool video Jared. Thank you.
As I approach 60 I love things from my younger years. The Z fc reminds me of an old Nikkorex 35mm that I have in my collection. My D60 has been my only camera for years. While it cannot shoot video, it works, and works well. I have been shooting fully manual all summer. Just like when I shot film in the 80s and early 90s. That being said, with my old eyes, I wish I had the knobs. I don't like the viewfinder on my D60 (thought it works, just hard to see). To change aperture I need to hold a button then turn the dial or to change shutter speed just turn the dial. Again, it works just not what I care for. However, since I shoot wildlife, its probably faster than the Z fc. So for now I'll stick with my D60 as I doubt I'd get a performance boost with the Z fc. Thanks for the video. Love your work.
My favorite Z camera to date. I hope a full frame version with IBIS would arrive soon. A retro set of 35/2.5, 50/1.8, 100/2.8, 135/2.8 in addition to the existing 28/2.8 would be great. Reviving the Nikon Series E with autofocus.
If you owned this, would you shoot it fully manual with the dials, or slap it in auto and call it a day?
Fully manual.
Manual. Always. Even the old Canon EOS 650 (35mm) I bought a year or two back I shoot in manual (and it has cost me shots before; such is life).
Fully manual, (usually).
Manual with 3rd party grip
I would shoot manual (never shoot in auto)
Which kit would you say is better? The Z-FC or the A7C?
Jared can u make a review along with the new 18-140 Z Dx lens?
Excellent helpful candid review. I appreciate your insights on the autofocus. My only frustration with the camera is the eye detection. I thought it was something I was doing wrong. Your review cleared up that issue for me. For what it’s worth, I use the Z fc almost exclusively in the single shot mode and never do video. For me the driver for getting this camera are the dials and buttons.
I am well entrenched in the Z system and love it. The Zfc so reminds me of my FM2/ FE2 cameras, which I still use. I was very tempted by nostalgia. I think, if they ever make a full frame version, I might have to pony up some cash. What I value about the FMs is how small and light they are when walking about. A couple of pancake AIS lenses in your pockets and you are rolling. If that could ever be duplicated in FX, it would be “take my money Nikon” time.
Yep a lot of peeps want the Z,space>F. I almost bought the zfc as it popped up on the Nikon store available in the grey, which I think looks good. However, then thinking about it, as Mr J says, it is a crap sensor, without IBIS and there is no fast glass.
Zf is the full frame one
@@Prothomesh. My comment was from 2 years ago…..And, I have, indeed, bought a Zf 😉
i just grabbed this kit and like Jared said, everything is focused. is there a lens to create a focal point to adjust apertures and perform "portrait" mode?
In the custom settings menu, you can set the control ring on the lens to set aperture.
yep but no clickies to index it. I played with one for quite a few hours. Thought eye autofocus worked really well, it was indoors, so maybe this is a limitation in the eye-AF system.
I bought it before watching this video, what are you gonna do about it?
Do you think this would look good with the Z 50mm? On a crop sensor, it's the right size for street portraits, but I feel it might look too bulky on this.
Can you use older Auto focus lens or do you need adapter also like to see how the video functions works on that camera and what type SD cards it use
How would this compare to one of the more vintage looking fujifilms? Like the x-pro3 or x-t30
Thanks for being positive and realistic in this review. It is a really cool camera, wish I had a reason to buy it for fun.
How this camera compared to the zv-e10 from Sony, which one would you recommend?
Great review and beautiful samples as always. I'm *this close* to getting the Z fc, thanks to your review. However, I just wish reviewers would stop complaining about the lack of a grip on an old-school camera. That's like complaining the 1964 Ford Mustang you're test driving doesn’t have a cupholder or power windows. That's the point of authenticity; to make the user experience as dated as possible, back to the olden days when getting the shot took effort, timing and fast thinking. Modern technology has made us soft, which is why I'm going back to the "manual drive" cameras. So if my right hand is getting tired from holding the camera, I'll take the pain any day and have a story to tell about how my hand cramped up taking the shot in the cold winter night.
It has a few more AF modes the Z50 doesn't have (I owned the Z 50 and now the Z fc - along with a Z 5 and Z 7). Anyway, for the identity crisis, I love that it looks retro but that you don't HAVE to use the dials. I never touch the ISO or SS dial but I like that they're there...yes, because it looks cool. And the camera really is built very well. I bought a 3rd party grip grip to get around the lack of ease to hold the camera but it still looks great. Image quality is excellent. I love it for what it is and it's not expensive. The Z mount kit lenses are far better than any other average cheap kit lens I've used. And...Nikon may not yet have the best continuous AF or tracking, but I challenge any camera to match it's single point AF accuracy. I've owned way too many cameras/brands and I've never had one that focuses as accurately as the Z fc, Z 5 and Z 7 I have. None. That's things like the a6400, a7Riii, GH5, E-M1, G9, Fuji X-T4, X-T2, and some others.
You got me to thinking when you were talking about grips. Way back when, ISO was set by whatever you dropped in the camera, at least for me, shutter speed was also preset by the film I loaded and what I was shooting (there were not a gazillion possible shutter speeds!). With the split-screen prism focusing and adjusting the aperture ring, all the "action" was on the lens when trying to compose and center the needle. As I think of it, I essentially "held" the camera by the lens (adjusting focus and aperture), and just sort used my right hand to balance the body and click the shutter. Never noticed a lack of grip becasue I wasn't really holding the body
I’m debating wether I should get the fujifilm xT30 or this Nikon, anyone have any opinion/recommendations?
Very honest review. Thanks for pointing out things others didn't. I suspected the grip wasn't that good and you mentionned it.
It seems it's a good camera overall.
Nice. Enjoyed your photos, shooting tips and stories as much or more as the camera review. have been to venice and this made me want to go back. Not so sure on the camera. held one a few weeks ago and it needs that attachment for a better grip. which is the same issue I have with my fuji x-t3. thanks
The Nikon Z fc has been my main workhorse of a camera for digital works. I’ve shot campaigns for brands, all my TH-cam videos, events, portraits, engagements and soon I’ll be shooting my first wedding with this camera!! I know it’s risky only having one SD card but I have a backup camera
You mentioned that the camera has exposure stimulation and you can turn it on and off. Where would I be able to find that? My MIL just bought one. I’ve always used canon so I’m trying to help her set it up. Exposure simulation is definitely off.
After gong back and forth on this camera, finally decided to pick one up for a light travel camera. The 16-50 is actaully amazingly sharp for a kit lens. I mean I would say it's similar, if not slightly better than Fuji's 16-50 and certainly way better than the E PZ 16-50 that Sony STILL bundles with their a6000-series cameras today. Thinking of picking up the 18-140 or 55-250 to give me a 2-lens small travel kit (that I can also use my FF Z glass with if I wanted to). For those who are concerned about holding it, SmallRig does have an attachable arca-swiss compatible bracket that gives you a small handgrip (similar to what the Fuji XT20/XT30 have) plus I think it has the arca-swiss bracket on the bottom, for something like $40. Definitely worth picking up. I do agree that without any sort of aftermarket grip, the camera can be slippery and easy to drop especially if your hands are sweaty.
I also think that the high ISO performance of the Z fc is also very good, with shots being usable up to 6400. Fuji does a good job as well, but I Feel that the 26MP sensor in the Fuji puts it at a bit of a disadvantage at high ISO (even though their JPEG rendering is very good at high ISO, I feel like the Zfc/Z50 RAWs are a bit better to deal with, less noise so less NR you have to apply in post). And 20.9MP is plenty for most people's uses these days anyway, and even if you print, you can still get a decent 8x10 print, and probably even a 13x19 too if you don't do borderless printing or you use some enlargement software to enlarge the image slightly.
If you're stuck between a Z50 and Zf c and are buying new, get the Zfc. I think it will have a longer lifespan than the Z50 (unless an updated Z50 comes out soon), as they have given the Z fc some of the advanced features found in the Z II FF bodies, like the extended shutter speeds and better AF for video.
Excellent Review 👏🏻👏🏻
Dude... amazing shots!
Are your Fro Packs LUTS, I use ACDSEE instead of Lightroom and it can use Photoshop LUTS presets?
Jared, would you trade the kit lens with the Z 18-140mm VR as travel lens?
Very thorough and informative video. Some truly amazing pictures you’ve got there, hands down. It’s a powerful and a beautiful looking camera and it would be interesting to see a comparison with the Canon M50, which is almost half the price with more or less similar features.
I liked your review of the camera and what you went over as far as shooting street photography and some of the features it has. I expected it to be a bit more critical of the camera, but you surprised me with your fairness to it. I actually own a full frame camera and lots of lenses in the Nikon family. But what I wanted was a lightweight, small camera to take with me to a wedding in October and the trip we're taking to get there. I actually love the retro look to the camera because it reminds me of my film days, and the dials and settings don't bother me at all, I use manual settings anyway. But what I think may happen is that people will see me shooting at the wedding and think oh look Grandma brought her old film camera out of storage, isn't that cute...and leave me to shoot whatever photos I want that aren't going to be cell phone pictures. So far, super impressed with focus, color rendering, ability to see the exposure on the screen or through the viewfinder and so far the kit lens is adequate. Probably not going to expect great things out of low light photos because of the limiting aperture settings with the kit lens and without a flash, but the ISO has shown to be more than adequate at getting shots without a lot of light. It doesn't matter whether it's a fashion statement or not, it's just what I needed and wanted for what I intend to use it for. I personally think this camera would be a great entry level camera for someone who doesn't know they want to invest in photography but want to experience digital mirrorless technology and can rely on auto when challenged. It really was between this and the Z 50 but I went the retro look because I liked it. It is a fun camera to just pick up and take with you, which is exactly the reason I wanted it and I think many people will find this to be true. Thanks for the fun review and visit to Venice! Great shots as you say!
I kind of like this one (v. reasonable price). What would be the Canon competitor for this one :?
Nice results! Cool little camera.
It's glad to see you holding Nikon camera.
I really love this camera! Tried one and I would love to have it!
8:10 is fantastic shot....Jared you got so many great images here...love the review, I think Nikon will have an enormous success with this little camera.
My favourite shot from this review too!
You remind me of my Navy days when I would go to Venice for a few days and shoot about a dozen rolls of Kodacolor 200! Since I have the Z fc’s twin, I’m looking to return to Venezia (for the first time in nearly 40 years) and get some cool imagery. Thanks for the tips and another great video!
I would say this cameras is in my budget would you recommend this to someone that's running a small photography business I did a few gigs with the Sony a7 mark 2 that camera is amazing but it doesn't belong to me it was a loner
Please help me out
I have a nikon Z6 for weddings.
Can I use this camera as a back up camera.
thanks for doing this review.
i am a analogue photographer and i feel this is great for my family to use also.
they can borrow the camera without bugging me on how to use the camera.
I shoot with a canon Rebel t6.. is this a upgrade from that or a better camera? I shoot photography not videos
The BW images are priceless. Great overall review.
Buy a small rig zfc grip for $40 call it a day you have your grip! Viltrox has Z apsc 1.4 lenses with aperture ring on lens.. if that’s what some one wants it can be had.. It’s an awesome little camera perfect for travel and personal family and friends photos..
Excellent balanced review ..great pics .. I learnt a lot of my passionate hobby from this channel back in the day .. but for some reason it was biased for the past couple of years .. I don’t know if ZFC has it but I shoot wide L with face detect all the time while photographing human faces and use the tracking box with f1 function button for everything else ..for creative purposes like shooting through the plants , flowers gaps through the rocks I use either tracking or single point .. if I want to meter a part of the scene then single point and spot metering .. because of my wife’s constant bickering about the weight of my camera kit I took d850 with 70 to 200 and z50 with the kit lens .. it was a struggle in darkness with the kitlens .. now I am back to carrying my full kit but with Z6ii and adapted glass .. enjoyed your Nikon review after a long time ..
It’s fabulous in Lake Garda, Verona and Venice, such great colours in the buildings. I was there a few years ago
I can't wait to get mine.
I love it. Just picked up an excellent used ZFC and threw on my 28mm 2.8 Great little camera.
It also has the advantage of being able to be powered by usb c while shooting video, allowing for all day video recording. That's a big win over the z50 as well in my book.
If anyone is buying this for that purpose…..I give up.
@@froknowsphoto It doesn't have to be the main reason to buy it, but it's definitely a plus and worth mentioning imo. It makes shooting timelapses effortless too!
Great for astro too 👌 love the usb c charging on my Sony's 😁 I want a FF version of the ZFc 😁
@@johnhphotography6084 i would go nuts if Nikon would drop this System with Bigga Sensor than FX FF....
This would take dem on a better Level...and they would trouble Fuji
@@christoskaragiannis7973 exactly, and throw it on a mini tripod and you have a good zoom/teams option. Not why I bought it, but it is added value as they say.
This camera reminds me of my old E-M10(mark I). Absolutely loved it, probably the most fun i've ever had shooting.
Velmi velmi dobra recenzia akurat ma dilemu co kupit Nkon ZFC alebo Z5? Diky
Great review. So much better focussing on the wholistic experience of using the camera with plenty of great, contextualised sample shots. Far superior to a boring, spec-focussed piece. Fantastic work.
Can i use my nikon 50mm 1.8 and 70-300 vr lens on this camera ??
I would like to see Nikon put out an FX version.
Are you going to release a users guide for the Nikon Z fc?
The image quality looks awesome.
I follow you channel long time ago now i already subscribe after watching this video.
Thank for good review it easy decision to bought or not i decision to waiting new model from Nikon next time.
We want a preview of the Z9, baby!!!
I took my Z 5 to Air Show at the MCAS Cherry Point last weekend and was happy with the image quality also. I also found that Dynamic Range was best.
Hi guys, I have an old nikon E series 100mm, 1.8 lens, would that work with this? Thanks
Great photos!
how does it compare to the gopro 10
Jared posted a video doing street photography the other day and has more street photography images in this video! I can’t wait for the Lo-Fi POV street photography videos! Lol
Totally agree the focus does take some getting used to. You can get pretty good at it so it does not bother me. It could be better, but lots of things could be better. It's nice and small and light, and you don't look like a photographer and can easily move around museums etc
Oh the street performer shots are nice!
I think the little tweaks add up for me usb-c, flip screen and you can set the ring on the lens to control aperture you can use it as a web cam and charge while in use among other improvements are definitely worth it and any z lens you buy for it can be used on your full frame cameras so your investment just makes sense to me that is all thanks 🙏
Are the f/stops on the lens or is it buried in a menu?
Fantastic!
I own one. I love it! It's the best smaller camera that I've ever owned. Great "EDC"!
The FE and the FM both had an off center lense that made extra space to grip the body, it seems odd that this one does not have it.
I got it for a few reasons. EC is right on the top and easier to change for bracketing.... the dials are cool... video is great.... and it will be for vlogging so it will be on the Gorillapod most of the time!!!
Wow, I was expecting another negative Nikon review. This ZFc reminds me the first Nikon I purchased in college, an entry model FG in 1983, which I still have and use. Even though I have started using other brands, Nikon still holds a special place in my mind, and Nikon has much better color than Sony. I like this retro look just like I enjoy Leica and Hasselblad and don’t mind the lack of grip, being an old timer from the manual analog world, I hold camera with left hand, focus with two left hand fingers and control dials and shutter with right hand. It’s like driving a stick shift, the ability to control exactly how you want instead of letting the device to control you is demanding yet more fun.
I got it because it looks cool and it has all the high tech. Form over function was fine by me. I don’t use it that hard or in rough environments. I have the grip. It helps. I also press the white balance button. Took me awhile to figure it out. I just got the 28mm lens and hope to get a telephoto and a macro for it as well.
Jared, A "retro" camera would have a narrow neck strap attached sans the heavy leather camera
case hanging off the front of the body.
Now you do not have to worry about the camera falling out of your hands...
Beautiful shots of Italy....
Stay Safe!
Rick