Thank you for an excellent review. Many other reviewers have simply copied other people’s reviews which is apparent. These other reviewers haven’t focused in on what’s important. They missed something obvious, which you stated almost immediately. The retro dials allow you to immediately recognise your settings without having to wake the screen. I liked the way you explained the important features, which for a potential purchaser is crucial. I’m planning on getting into photography as I come towards retirement. I started thinking about it because Amazon had an offer on a payment plan for the Canon EOS 200. I started exploring their offerings and the Sony ones, until I happened upon Nikon. I remembered how Nikon were viewed back in the early 80s when I bought an Olympus SLR. I saw the Z 50, and though I liked the look of it, the flip down screen put me off. I’m thinking of doing some content creation and then I saw the Z fc. I’m now in the process of finding the best deal and thinking how I can sneak it past the Kamp Kommandant’s embargo on “unnecessary” items. Of course, unnecessary items like expensive shoes, dresses and handbags are authorised very quickly. …..My unnecessary items, never seem to gain approval! Father’s Day is on its way and I’m hoping my rich kids will club together to get me this camera…..some hope!
I'm really loving this camera. Two things to note though: 1. it actually does not have a headphone jack unfortunately. 2. Yes 9 frames per second in 14bit raw, but if you switch to 12bit raw you can get 11 frames per second which is great for action. Thanks for the review!
Good DX glass won't happpen. Nikon makes much more profit from their full frame cameras and lenses, so why should they try to cater for a market that they have already lost to Fujifilm and Sony? Every yen invested into APS-C is a waste. APS-C is dead, at least for Nikon, so putting substantial funds into APS-C would be for Nikon like flogging a dead horse.
I do like the nostalgic look and that would appeal to older users however I wish it had ibis. As a senior citizen my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. I know it’s in the lens but I’ve had a few different cameras over the years and have a collection of lenses, using the different lenses with an adapter often results in focus issues so it would have been nice to have stability in the camera also for the extra focus support.
I’m honestly contemplating downgrading my system to this and the 28mm SE just to focus on the fun of street photography and forget the grind of the business.
Best thing in my opinion is that, with all the major controls on the top plate, I can quickly adapt to changing circumstances rather than mess around with menus and selecting modes. Aperture Priority to Shutter Priority and visa versa, no problem, it's all where it should be. Just wish they would release an all black version for more unobtrusive, candid/nature shots
Excellent real world review Dave! I love the retro styling of the camera, I just wish they stuck a full frame sensor into it - but understand they are having to take into consideration the target audience and costs. It does however seem a bit plasticky when I checked one out when they first came out, but again I am sure costs as is always the case factors into the build quality. Again, appreciate the great review, both you and Evelyn do a wonderful job on these videos!
I'm sure this is sort of test drive to ascertain market demand for such a retro styled camera. And seeing the demand for it, I think they will release a FF version in the future.
Greetings from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida . Great review video. Really enjoyed it. I'm an entry level photographer and I recently purchased the Zfc just on looks alone. Quite pleased with my choice.
Purchased this fun and lightweight camera for my trip to Southern California this past November and it has been superb. I'm no manual-user but learning as I go and will one day use the fantastic dials that looks so cool. I also purchased the optional hand-grip that adds so much functionality and security. This camera offers so much more than my iPhone 11 when it comes to serious photography.
Why would an FX retro-style Z camera be stressful for Fujifilm? They don't make 35mm cameras, they've concentracted on APS-C DSLM cameras and don't have to fear the Nikon DX Z cameras. They leave the 35mm DSLM camera market to Canon, Sony and, a little late to the party, Nikon. Sony and Nikon have both focused mainly on 35mm DSLM cameras and don't really try to compete Fujifilm in the APS-C DSLM market.
Really appreciated your review. For someone who is wanting to be able to use this camera for travel, wildlife and landscape, some portraiture, and some nighttime, no real sports or super fast action, do you believe the Zfc is a good choice, or would you more recommend the Z6II? I’m really sitting on the fence about it. Although I’d love to have a built in flash, it’s not necessary. Viewfinder is most definitely a must, and an articulating screen is also a pretty big one for me.
I'm a video shooter and the first thing I do with any potential purchase is to look up the Recording Limit. Once again, it's up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds. Fuji, Nikon and Canon just love this artificial built in egg timer. It is such a shame that these cameras are ruined by firmware. Oh well. It's still either Panasonic or Sony for me until this nonsense is resolved.
yes it's not gonna win any awards for best performance but it's a fun camera to use. hoping a ff version with more metal is in the works. maybe there will be since the 28 lens is a ff lens :D
It has the best performance for APSC sensor size. It performs better than the XT5 or Canon R7 in terms of low light high iso. The AF is better on the Zfc than the Fujis. Canon R7 AF is better, but their low light performance sucks due to pixel density.
I don’t know why Nikon doesn’t put IBIS in their DX Z cameras. With the price of the Z5 hovering just a couple of hundred dollars above the ZFC, I feel they would have done better with a retro Z5 as their mirrorless DF
Since this Camera is close to Z5 ,they could have given 1) Dual SD Card 2) battery Grip Option 3) faster Buffer Rate Above features would help beginners to come into Nikon platform eventually could help them grow and explore Z5, Z6 ,Z7 etc
Adding the things that would make it “ better” would also make it more expensive. This is not a made for performance, it is made for people who want to look cool.
I'd love a manual focus experience that imitates the old manual focus experience found in the F3, with that circle. This would allow us to use old ais lenses sort of like they were intended. The focus peaking outlines are great for critical focusing for macro, but it's not that fun to use when shooting quickly.
Are there U1 U2 quick setting on the Zfc? I'm a motorcycle traveller and want to buy this but need something with U1 U2 for quick video captures (plan to have different frame rates in both settings).
Give me full frame, 36 megapixel sensor, sensor stabilization and autofocus as good as the a7iv. Then you’ve got a deal! Until then it’s beautiful too look at! Really nice too look at and seem functional.
It's fun to use. I don't think they'll develop it into a product-line. They did it because Sony can't (heritage) and Canon won't (not crazy enough). They're not after Fuji. By the way: for added 'analog fun' you can choose for the EVF to NOT show the colour and whitebalance settings. So as with an analog SLR just 'as it is'.
I'm still confused as to who they tried to go up against with this model. Many have tried comparing it to Fuji or Sony's APSC lines. I don't think it competed with any, Sony beats with it the AF system and resolution and Fuji have more pro-like featured when it comes to their flagship models. I think this is more like a one-off that Nikon threw out there, focused more for perhaps street photography hipsters. It gets the job done, with lots of limitations. Having said all that, I wouldn't mind having one and leaving my Z6 ii to those moments when I actually need a full-frame.
Have to say id rather have a Nikon Df, full frame and while older it has many features that old school shooters would want. Nikon it seems is going for the novelty factor here and a stab at the Fuji market who has a jump start on the vintage controls with the X series.
What would it matter. Even the tests they do aren't accurate with what they say. Look at how terrible the autofocus tracking is, and he was saying it's sticky. They just wanna sell cameras. Good camera (even with its faults) but bad review
Well nikon should upgrade the sensor of apsc to 32 or 42 mega pixel. They are using same old sensor of sony A5000. We need higher megapixel if we want to crop photos or to take bigger prints.
@@DarrylBarnes Not if you want to use legacy glass at their intended field of view, which would be very desirable on a camera designed to look like those from the the film era.
@@DarrylBarnes exactly this. I'm so tired of people comparing apsc and ff. The only people who care about that are the ones that can't even get the full potential of Thier apsc sensor. Ff does have advantages but it's more stuff like the selection of glass (wide, etc), pro bodies, faster (typically) shutterspeeds, etc.
I tried it. It felt toy like and plastic to me. There's nothing wrong with it at all and for the price it's reasonable but I'm spoiled by the build quality and the materials of more pro spec cameras.
Why do you claim to being able to tilt the screen any way you want when you still can't tilt it so it is in axis with the lens? Looking through a screen next to the lens is not easy when shooting low angle or from the waist. Other than that it is a nice looking camera.
This isn't a hands on review. This is just walking around randomly taking what are honestly not even good "snapshots". Oh wow the dark alley shot is good, and you pushed the shadow slider to 100... Amazing... Not. You guys have potential , but stop selling all the time, I don't care about colour and gear style more then actually using the camera to take real photos. Start taking photography (not just the gear side) seriously and put some meaning behind it. Also tired of complaints about the cold, etc. If you just want to take snapshots or whatever maybe consider doing something else.
Thank you for an excellent review. Many other reviewers have simply copied other people’s reviews which is apparent. These other reviewers haven’t focused in on what’s important. They missed something obvious, which you stated almost immediately. The retro dials allow you to immediately recognise your settings without having to wake the screen. I liked the way you explained the important features, which for a potential purchaser is crucial. I’m planning on getting into photography as I come towards retirement.
I started thinking about it because Amazon had an offer on a payment plan for the Canon EOS 200. I started exploring their offerings and the Sony ones, until I happened upon Nikon. I remembered how Nikon were viewed back in the early 80s when I bought an Olympus SLR. I saw the Z 50, and though I liked the look of it, the flip down screen put me off. I’m thinking of doing some content creation and then I saw the Z fc. I’m now in the process of finding the best deal and thinking how I can sneak it past the Kamp Kommandant’s embargo on “unnecessary” items. Of course, unnecessary items like expensive shoes, dresses and handbags are authorised very quickly. …..My unnecessary items, never seem to gain approval! Father’s Day is on its way and I’m hoping my rich kids will club together to get me this camera…..some hope!
I'm really loving this camera. Two things to note though: 1. it actually does not have a headphone jack unfortunately. 2. Yes 9 frames per second in 14bit raw, but if you switch to 12bit raw you can get 11 frames per second which is great for action. Thanks for the review!
This camera makes photography fun again.
The look of the body is great now we need good DX glass Nikon
Buzz buzz
Good DX glass won't happpen. Nikon makes much more profit from their full frame cameras and lenses, so why should they try to cater for a market that they have already lost to Fujifilm and Sony? Every yen invested into APS-C is a waste. APS-C is dead, at least for Nikon, so putting substantial funds into APS-C would be for Nikon like flogging a dead horse.
I do like the nostalgic look and that would appeal to older users however I wish it had ibis. As a senior citizen my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. I know it’s in the lens but I’ve had a few different cameras over the years and have a collection of lenses, using the different lenses with an adapter often results in focus issues so it would have been nice to have stability in the camera also for the extra focus support.
I’m honestly contemplating downgrading my system to this and the 28mm SE just to focus on the fun of street photography and forget the grind of the business.
Best thing in my opinion is that, with all the major controls on the top plate, I can quickly adapt to changing circumstances rather than mess around with menus and selecting modes. Aperture Priority to Shutter Priority and visa versa, no problem, it's all where it should be. Just wish they would release an all black version for more unobtrusive, candid/nature shots
Excellent real world review Dave! I love the retro styling of the camera, I just wish they stuck a full frame sensor into it - but understand they are having to take into consideration the target audience and costs. It does however seem a bit plasticky when I checked one out when they first came out, but again I am sure costs as is always the case factors into the build quality. Again, appreciate the great review, both you and Evelyn do a wonderful job on these videos!
I'm sure this is sort of test drive to ascertain market demand for such a retro styled camera. And seeing the demand for it, I think they will release a FF version in the future.
Greetings from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida . Great review video. Really enjoyed it.
I'm an entry level photographer and I recently purchased the Zfc just on looks alone.
Quite pleased with my choice.
The Z 18-140 DX lens works beautifully with this camera!
Purchased this fun and lightweight camera for my trip to Southern California this past November and it has been superb. I'm no manual-user but learning as I go and will one day use the fantastic dials that looks so cool. I also purchased the optional hand-grip that adds so much functionality and security. This camera offers so much more than my iPhone 11 when it comes to serious photography.
A good photo doesn't care what camera was used to take it. 😉
A full frame Zfc will be Mind Blowing and will be so stressful for Fuji and Sony!
😍
Why would an FX retro-style Z camera be stressful for Fujifilm? They don't make 35mm cameras, they've concentracted on APS-C DSLM cameras and don't have to fear the Nikon DX Z cameras. They leave the 35mm DSLM camera market to Canon, Sony and, a little late to the party, Nikon. Sony and Nikon have both focused mainly on 35mm DSLM cameras and don't really try to compete Fujifilm in the APS-C DSLM market.
I love it. I'll have one someday. Thank you Viltrox for making the primes to make this even more viable. The Z DX glass can't come day enough.
Really appreciated your review. For someone who is wanting to be able to use this camera for travel, wildlife and landscape, some portraiture, and some nighttime, no real sports or super fast action, do you believe the Zfc is a good choice, or would you more recommend the Z6II? I’m really sitting on the fence about it. Although I’d love to have a built in flash, it’s not necessary. Viewfinder is most definitely a must, and an articulating screen is also a pretty big one for me.
What is that green camera strap you have attached in the beginning??
I absolutely love this style of camera, but I can't sink my cash into a system that doesn't have many native DX lenses.
I'm a video shooter and the first thing I do with any potential purchase is to look up the Recording Limit. Once again, it's up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds. Fuji, Nikon and Canon just love this artificial built in egg timer. It is such a shame that these cameras are ruined by firmware. Oh well. It's still either Panasonic or Sony for me until this nonsense is resolved.
I wish they put a cable release thread on the shutter button, But it is a cool camera. Don't stop there Nikon....go full frame.
05:41 …Dave tells you everything you want to know… Very delicately I might add….All I need to know…Ty Sir..
The design looks nice and retro. good review 🙂
yes it's not gonna win any awards for best performance but it's a fun camera to use. hoping a ff version with more metal is in the works. maybe there will be since the 28 lens is a ff lens :D
It has the best performance for APSC sensor size. It performs better than the XT5 or Canon R7 in terms of low light high iso. The AF is better on the Zfc than the Fujis. Canon R7 AF is better, but their low light performance sucks due to pixel density.
If ur not stuck in the Nikon ecosystem, just get the fuji xt3 for similar price with weather seal, 2 card slots and better apsc lens line up.
I don’t know why Nikon doesn’t put IBIS in their DX Z cameras. With the price of the Z5 hovering just a couple of hundred dollars above the ZFC, I feel they would have done better with a retro Z5 as their mirrorless DF
What strap are you using if you don’t mind me asking so I can purchase for my new zfc
Wondering too
Since this Camera is close to Z5 ,they could have given
1) Dual SD Card
2) battery Grip Option
3) faster Buffer Rate
Above features would help beginners to come into Nikon platform eventually could help them grow and explore Z5, Z6 ,Z7 etc
Adding the things that would make it “ better” would also make it more expensive. This is not a made for performance, it is made for people who want to look cool.
Greetings from Calcutta, India.
Nikon must release a full frame version of it surely mirrorless.
I'd love a manual focus experience that imitates the old manual focus experience found in the F3, with that circle.
This would allow us to use old ais lenses sort of like they were intended.
The focus peaking outlines are great for critical focusing for macro, but it's not that fun to use when shooting quickly.
this is a perfect Z camera for me, maybe I have to compare it to the Z30 (now) and see if the added price is not too much for what I am getting.
Dave has gotten sooo good! I miss Ev though...
It's so annoying when the music is 10 "stops" louder than the voice volume. Just make it all the same loudness...
Don’t need it at all
Are there U1 U2 quick setting on the Zfc? I'm a motorcycle traveller and want to buy this but need something with U1 U2 for quick video captures (plan to have different frame rates in both settings).
Great review
Give me full frame, 36 megapixel sensor, sensor stabilization and autofocus as good as the a7iv. Then you’ve got a deal! Until then it’s beautiful too look at! Really nice too look at and seem functional.
Can we have comparison between ZF-C and XT-30 ii. This two camera head on in their category.
It's almost like shooting Fujifilm but not quite lol
It's fun to use. I don't think they'll develop it into a product-line. They did it because Sony can't (heritage) and Canon won't (not crazy enough). They're not after Fuji. By the way: for added 'analog fun' you can choose for the EVF to NOT show the colour and whitebalance settings. So as with an analog SLR just 'as it is'.
you dont have to use the rear dial for 1/3 step. You have 3steps exp compensation. nearly the same!
Just ordered mine
Why a PASM dial if there are analog dials for shutter, ISO and aperture (if the lens has an aperture dial)?
The only thing I don't know is why it's called "fc"? Why not "fd", with "D" from Digital?
I'm still confused as to who they tried to go up against with this model. Many have tried comparing it to Fuji or Sony's APSC lines. I don't think it competed with any, Sony beats with it the AF system and resolution and Fuji have more pro-like featured when it comes to their flagship models. I think this is more like a one-off that Nikon threw out there, focused more for perhaps street photography hipsters. It gets the job done, with lots of limitations. Having said all that, I wouldn't mind having one and leaving my Z6 ii to those moments when I actually need a full-frame.
Zfc full frame !!!
Have to say id rather have a Nikon Df, full frame and while older it has many features that old school shooters would want. Nikon it seems is going for the novelty factor here and a stab at the Fuji market who has a jump start on the vintage controls with the X series.
what camera strap are you using??
I think it is a shot at the XT-4…a more powerful camera…to me the xt-4 is my choice
Dual Card Slot would have been made this camera even better
Does the eye af works in video mode?
Yes it is
Missing out on a black on black version
Did you actually test the waterproofing to justify your comment?
What would it matter. Even the tests they do aren't accurate with what they say. Look at how terrible the autofocus tracking is, and he was saying it's sticky. They just wanna sell cameras. Good camera (even with its faults) but bad review
Finally. Someone who speaks US. English.
Well nikon should upgrade the sensor of apsc to 32 or 42 mega pixel. They are using same old sensor of sony A5000. We need higher megapixel if we want to crop photos or to take bigger prints.
The Zfc is 11FPS, not 9FPS like Dave says in the video..... he might be gorgeous 😍 but not always accurate...
No 2nd card slot is a huge deal breaker.
Can't wait for them to make a full frame version of this that doesn't suck /rip off the customer like the dF
The difference between ff and crop is negligible. Usually the problem is the tog lacks skill
@@DarrylBarnes Not if you want to use legacy glass at their intended field of view, which would be very desirable on a camera designed to look like those from the the film era.
@@DarrylBarnes exactly this. I'm so tired of people comparing apsc and ff. The only people who care about that are the ones that can't even get the full potential of Thier apsc sensor. Ff does have advantages but it's more stuff like the selection of glass (wide, etc), pro bodies, faster (typically) shutterspeeds, etc.
should have kept grip shape of Z50 as it has no stabilization
Love the plastic feel. Quality.
I tried it. It felt toy like and plastic to me. There's nothing wrong with it at all and for the price it's reasonable but I'm spoiled by the build quality and the materials of more pro spec cameras.
Um, pretty silly that is even bigger than an FM2 but still not even full frame like an FM2.
Why do you claim to being able to tilt the screen any way you want when you still can't tilt it so it is in axis with the lens? Looking through a screen next to the lens is not easy when shooting low angle or from the waist. Other than that it is a nice looking camera.
Fuji did this 10 years ago lol
Nikon since 1959, lol
@@eldindokara7868 I ment this "digital retro" form factor. I loved my Nikon F2
@@cnfusd Check out the full Frame Nikon Df retro style camera they came out with 10 years ago.
This isn't a hands on review. This is just walking around randomly taking what are honestly not even good "snapshots". Oh wow the dark alley shot is good, and you pushed the shadow slider to 100... Amazing... Not. You guys have potential , but stop selling all the time, I don't care about colour and gear style more then actually using the camera to take real photos. Start taking photography (not just the gear side) seriously and put some meaning behind it. Also tired of complaints about the cold, etc. If you just want to take snapshots or whatever maybe consider doing something else.
I bet the articulating screen is actually made by Panasonic.
Hunk alert ⚠️ 📢 😍! Does anyone know if Dave is single 🤔?
and is slippery to hold …
Fuji users - Yawn...
Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.
Holy Fujifilm ripoff. This has to be patent infringement.