nikon zfc travel camera

Nikon Z fc review

A triumph of design at an honest price.

TechRadar Verdict

The Nikon Z fc is a triumph of design that offers a different shooting experience to the Nikon Z50 at a great price. The vari-angle screen is also an inspired choice that embodies Nikon's old-meets-new 'fusion' concept. More advanced photographers might miss the lack of weather-proofing and a larger full-frame sensor, especially considering current native lens availability. But for everyone else, the Z fc is a great mix of retro design and mirrorless shooting power.

Beautiful design

Useful vari-angle touch screen

A well-struck balance of old and new

Great value

Needs more native lenses

Grip less suited to large lenses

No UHS-II support

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Editor's Note

Two-minute review
Release date and price
Features and performance
Image and video quality
Should I buy?

• Original review date: September 2021 • A pricier and tougher full-frame Nikon Zf was consequently announced • Launch price: $959 / £899 / AU$1,799 (body only) • Official price now: $959 / £879 / around AU$1,699 (body only)

Update: February 2024. If you love the retro look, the Nikon Z fc is still arguably the best value mirrorless camera since its September 2021 release. It goes up against the Fujifilm X-T30 II , and neither of these beginner cameras have been replaced yet. If money is no object then the Nikon Zf full-frame camera with the same analog Nikon FM2-inspired look is the sturdier option with better specs, but the Z fc remains a beautiful camera to have by your side and one of the best travel cameras . In fact, Nikon is yet to launch another APS-C camera since the Z30 designed for vlogging, so its 20.9MP sensor and 4K video spec is yet to be bettered for Nikon fans. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

Nikon Z fc: Two-minute review

The Nikon Z fc is the company's second mirrorless camera with an APS-C crop sensor, after the Nikon Z50 . Under the hood, the two cameras are virtually identical, but it's clear from the outside that the shooting experience is altogether different. Much of this review, therefore, focuses on the new design of the Nikon Z fc.

The current Nikon Z lineup now consists of two APS-C cameras, two second-generation full-frame models, the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II , plus the Nikon Z5 . The native lens lineup is much more developed for full-frame, with 17 lenses to the two dedicated APS-C zoom kit lenses. However, the new Z 28mm f/2.8 SE lens launched alongside the Nikon Z fc that we had during this test is an aesthetic pairing and a compelling 42mm f/2.8 equivalent lens.

So what is behind this new camera's name? 'F' stands for 'fusion', as in of the old and new. This rhetoric exists in the full-frame Nikon Df from 2013, and likewise here we have a digital camera inspired by the company's own legacy analogue cameras.

In the case of the Nikon Z fc, a beginner mirrorless camera , homage is paid to the 30-year-old Nikon FM2; the form factor and dimensions viewed from the front are practically the same. The FM2 is deeper on account of its film holder and its larger full-frame format which physically requires more depth.

As for the 'c', in the name, it indicates that the camera is for 'casual' use. This could be anything from the competitive price, the smaller sensor format compared to full-frame, the vari-angle screen, the modest single UHS-I SD card slot, or the lack of weather-sealing.

No, we wouldn't want to bash this beautiful camera for beginners around too much. And that's a slight shame – we can't help wish this was a 'Nikon Z f' rather than a Nikon Z fc. The camera it's inspired by, the Nikon FM2, was a serious full-frame workhorse that could take a bullet for you, with a mechanical shutter able to rattle off frames with no battery power. It's a camera that lasts, while the Nikon Z fc is aimed at an altogether different photographer.

Still, the Z fc is a beautiful, casual camera with a capable specification; 20.9MP sensor, 4K video up to 30fps, continuous tracking AF for people, animals, faces and eyes, and an inspired vari-angle touch screen. The Z fc is the affordable option too; if you want a digital camera with ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, you're looking at the twice-the-price Fujifilm X-T4, or if you can live without the ISO dial, then the Fujfilm X-T30 II enters the frame.

For travel snappers or those who want a camera that's as pretty as the photos it takes, the Nikon Zfc is one of the best mirrorless cameras you can buy, as well as of course one of the best travel cameras . Keen photographers who need features like dual card slots will want to look elsewhere, and we're hoping for a full-frame version, but not many modern cameras are as fun to use as this.

Nikon Z fc: Release date and price

The Nikon Z fc is available to buy in a variety of bundles. If you just want to buy the camera body-only, it'll cost $959 / £899 / AU$1,499, but you can also buy it with different lenses, or in a lens kit with both wide-angle and telephoto zooms.

The ideal kit for street photographers will likely be the Nikon Zfc with the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens, which together will cost $1,199 / £1,129 / AU$1,899. If you'd rather go for the Zfc with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, that kit will set you back $1,099 / £1,039 / AU$1,699.

In Australia, there's a two-lens kit also available for AU$2,000 that bundles the Zfc body with the 16-50mm glass mentioned above, as well as the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR zoom.

In the UK, there's also a vlogging kit priced at £1,169 that includes the NIKKOR Z 16-50mm VR silver lens, a Sennheiser on-camera directional microphone with wind protection, and a SmallRig tripod grip. The tripod grip features a magnetic recess that holds the Nikon ML-L7 remote control (included).

Nikon Z fc: Design

It's a stunning camera
Inspired vari-angle touch screen
A new retro-styled 28mm f/2.8 Z lens

You don't have to be a fan of the Nikon FM2 to appreciate the design of the Nikon Z fc. It's a beautiful-looking camera. We remember the Nikon FM2 well – an aspirational camera for enthusiasts – and the attention to detail in reimagining the FM2 for today is painstakingly admirable.

There is everything to like about the Nikon Z fc. From the front, it's virtually the same dimensions as the FM2, meaning this is one dinky camera, barely a handful. Its form factor, design cues, everything sings FM2. Even the typography is inspired by it.

The view from the top is equally impressive. While thinner than the FM2, it still packs exposure dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation dial. We love the tiny window with an LCD display of the current aperture setting. Nikon has gone most of the way there, but wait, the lenses.

A new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE lens was launched alongside the Z fc, and like the camera it certainly looks the retro-part. But why is there no aperture control ring on this special edition full-frame lens? With that full complement of exposure dials on the camera's top plate, we sorely missed an aperture control ring on the lens and you won't find one on any other Nikon Z lens.

You can change the sole control ring on the 28mm lens from focus to aperture, but you can't have both at the same time. Otherwise, you shift aperture by using the camera's front command dial, but it's not nearly as intuitive as on the lens, especially when you're already shifting the shutter speed dial with those same right-hand fingers.

Ultimately, the lack of dedicated lens aperture control ring becomes a reason to use the Z fc in auto, foregoing the top dials for exposure changes (the main point of this concept). Like with the majority of Fujifilm’s X-series lenses, we hope new special edition legacy lenses are launched for the Z-series that feature an aperture control. Still, if you don't shoot in aperture priority, who cares, right?

The ISO dial on the top of the Nikon Z fc camera

In understanding those exposure dials, the built-in program mode switch that includes auto, the implementation of in-camera auto ISO, you can get the exposure effect you want super-quick. By the way, in-camera auto ISO handles a charm just like high-end Nikon cameras, meaning minimum acceptable shutter speed can be manually selected.

Elsewhere, the Z fc's flip touchscreen that's on hand for selfie-shooters and vloggers is totally the right call here, but for additional reasons. This type of screen can be folded away completely – revealing a protective dappled leather finish instead. You can pretend it's screen-less in a way that's not possible with fixed or tilt screens. We're not quite in Fujifilm X-Pro 3 territory – a camera that simulates a loaded film roll on its rear – but the look is spot on.

With a circular eyecup design for the EVF (electronic viewfinder), the look from the rear is complete. The EVF is a reasonably large display with a feature set and performance that is competitive at this price point; 2.36-million-dots and a refresh rate of 60fps. You'll have to press your eye in right up close to get a clear view though.

As for the touchscreen, it is super simple to use. You get touch focus with subject tracking, shutter response, full menu navigation and playback control, this is how touchscreens are meant to be. And the footprint of the touchscreen is minimal, adding very little to the overall size of the Z fc.

Around the exposure dials are little hints that this is a camera for today. The shutter speed dial has a switch to shift from shooting stills to video (the Nikon Df couldn't shoot video at all – a philosophical choice). Sadly, the in-camera menu remains the same whether you are shooting photos or video. Separate custom menus would be welcome for photo and video to make navigating your options much simpler.

The Nikon Z fc possesses a magnesium alloy 'skeleton' which is very impressive at this price point. However, there's no weather-sealing, which lives up to the 'casual' name. It might be due to its great looks, but we were particularly conscious to look after the camera.

From our time with the Z fc, we found battery life par-for-the-course, getting a full day of moderate use that this camera is technically designed for. Go video heavy or swing towards those extended continuous high sequences and the picture is different, of course. However, it is now possible to charge the camera on-the-go via the USB-C input. Handy. Speaking of inputs, there is a 3.5mm microphone port, plus mini HMDI.

Elsewhere, what you get with the mirrorless tech is an option for a silent shutter. Paired with the flip screen for subtle waist-level viewing, the Z fc represents an unobtrusive shooter ideal for travel and street photography.

Faced up to the similarly-priced Nikon Z50, we prefer the Z fc design. There's the vari-angle screen and USB-C charging, plus exposure compensation is operational when in auto exposure mode. Some may prefer the feel of the deeper handgrip of the Z50, especially with longer lenses, though there is an optional grip for the Z fc.

Nikon Z fc: Features and performance

Tracking AF with priority for people and animals
11fps burst shooting
Single UHS-I SD card slot

For all its retro charm and emphasis on manual control, the Nikon Z fc is no slouch and comes packed with a competitive feature set.

Start up time is brisk, with the camera able to shoot within a second of powering up. No dawdling here. Z-series lenses focus quickly and quietly for general scenes, offering a manual focus override, too. There's on-screen touch tracking auto-focus that is sticky on your subject and the Z fc detects faces and eyes with a reasonable speed, accuracy and reliability.

With the viewfinder in play, you can hit the OK button to bring up a manual AF selection area, too, though you cannot swipe the open touchscreen for autofocus area selection.

High-speed action sequences can be made at up to 11fps in the 'extended' mode, with continuous auto focus and auto exposure. However, the camera only supports the older and slower UHS-I SD card, meaning those sequences are sustained for around 22 frames – that's two seconds – and you'll need to wait some time for those frames to be processed to gain full speed operation again.

The continuous high mode is much slower at 5fps, though you will get around 35 frames, so the burst is longer. Again, it takes a little while to clear those files to regain full capture capability. In short, the Z fc is good for quick flashes of action, but it really doesn't support sustained action scenarios.

Nikon Z fc: Image and video quality

20.9-million-pixel APS-C sensor
ISO 100-51,200
Basic Z-series 'DX' lens choice

With the same 20.9-million-pixel APS-C sensor as the Nikon Z50, we can expect the same image quality from the Nikon Z fc. And aside from a few handling tweaks that may impact the shots you are getting – like the at-hand exposure compensation dial – things are indeed the same, which is no bad thing.

The 20.9MP sensor has a great handle on noise, with all settings up to ISO 6400 looking clean, especially those under ISO 800. It's a general rule of thumb to avoid the top two ISO settings if you want to avoid the adverse impact of noise, in this case ISO 25,600 and ISO 51,200. Dynamic range impresses and the implementation of a HDR mode is simple and effective.

There's a host of auto white balance (AWB) options, with the possibility of maintaining warm tones as one option. Colors in general look great from the off, though dominant colors in a scene can impact the temperature and hue in other colors – for example, a dominant blue can make skin tones look a little yellow, or a green vista results in overly magenta elsewhere, and so on. It's still a standard issue for AWB.

The standard color profile gives a refreshing subtle degree of saturation more akin to a neutral color profile in other systems. In-camera raw editing enables adjustments to exposure ±2EV, white balance, color profile and picture mode among others.

Perhaps one thing holding back the image quality of the Nikon Z fc is the availability of native lenses. The lens roadmap for Nikon mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors looks vaguely promising, but at the time of writing there are better lenses available for the rival Fujifilm X-series.

Should I buy the Nikon Z fc?

The Nikon Zfc camera sitting on a red table in front of a bookcase

Buy it if...

You like looking at your camera The Nikon Zfc is a thing of beauty, whether you are a Nikon fanboy or not. It's all retro-chic; exposure dials, classic typography, circular viewfinder, leather-finish, complemented by a silver top plate. Gorgeous stuff.

You want a mix of old and new The vari-angle touch screen transforms the Z fc from old to new. Tucked away and you can pretend there's no screen at all. Flipped out and it's a super simple, intuitive and versatile touch screen for focus-tracking photos and videos capture, plus navigation.

You like manually controlling exposure If you regularly fiddle with exposure settings, the dedicated exposure dials are a more intuitive method than generic command dials, once you have the hang of it. With dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation, plus a lens control ring that can be customized between focus and aperture control, and in-camera auto ISO with shutter speed control, you'll have the camera set up to accommodate your shooting style in no time.

Don't buy it if...

You are expecting a 'purist' digital photography experience It comes close and certainly looks the part, but there are no accompanying Z-series lenses for the Z fc that feature a dedicated aperture control ring, so the Z fc is not 100% the real retro deal. In the case of the 28mm f/2.8 lens, there is a lens control ring but you'll need to choose in-camera if it adjusts manual focus or aperture.

You want FM2 bomb-proof build quality It may look like an FM2, but the Z fc is a different prospect in regards to build quality. There is no weather-sealing, so this is a camera to look after on the front lines, rather than looking after you. In fairness, the Z fc is 'casual' and priced accordingly.

You need a wide choice of lenses There are only two Z-series 'kit' zoom lenses currently available that are designed specifically for the APS-C format. It is possible to use full-frame Nikon Z series lenses with the Z fc and the ever-increasing range currently numbers 17, but there are no super-wide options (when factoring the APS-C crop) and the size/cost can be a mismatch. Another option is the FTZ adaptor, making hundreds of Nikon G and Nikon F lenses compatible with the Z fc, but adapted lenses do have drawbacks. The Fujifilm X-T30 II on the other hand enjoys a huge range of dedicated lenses.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

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Specifications

Type of camera, effective pixels, image sensor, white balance, wi-fi/bluetooth, power source, dimensions/weight, operating environment, supplied accessories.

The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Wi-Fi ® is a trademark or registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance ® .
The Bluetooth ® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon Corporation is under license.
Other products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Mirrorless Cameras

Camera Reviews

Nikon Z FC review: fashion over focus

It might remind you of a vintage metal camera, but it’s all plastic.

By Becca Farsace , a senior video producer and host of YouTube series Full Frame. She has worked at Vox Media since 2016, producing more than 250 videos for multiple sites.

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The Z FC is a plastic take on Nikon’s 35mm F cameras.

Taking photos with my 1967 35mm Nikkormat FTN makes me feel powerful. Its all-metal body with mechanical springs, gears, and levers create a loud, satisfying “clunk” with every shutter press and deep “zip” when advancing the film. Its silver metal body with black faux-leather accents has proven to be not only timeless and eye-catching but, more importantly, incredibly durable. And the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings being located around the barrel of the lens make it incredibly quick to control once your muscle memory has been established.

Outside of the great images this camera can capture, using the FTN is an incredibly fun and satisfying experience. And the Nikon Z FC, Nikon’s latest entry-level mirrorless camera, led me to believe that I might, at long last, have a near-exact digital replica of a camera I love so much. Sadly, the Z FC wasn’t meant to digitally replicate a classic but, instead, inspire a new generation to carry a camera outside of their phones.

The articulating screen makes this camera vlog and selfie-ready.

The Nikon Z FC is a compact APS-C, 20.9-megapixel camera. The body costs $959.95; the $1,096.95 kit I was able to test included a Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens that retracts when not in use for a slim silhouette.

It’s a retro rebrand of Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z50, with a few added features, such as full-time eye autofocus while shooting video, the ability to accept firmware updates via an app, a faster USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and a fully articulating LCD screen. Unlike Nikon’s earlier Df , which took a DSLR and stripped out features in the name of its retro rebuild, the FC isn’t hampered at all — it can shoot full-resolution stills up to 11 frames per second and 4K 30fps video for up to 30 minutes at a time.

There is a micro HDMI, USB-C, and mic port on the left side.

Photos from the Z FC with the 16-50mm kit lens are sharp with a very smooth and pleasing focus fall-off. The RAW files provide a lot of room for brightening shadows or bringing down the highlights. And I was very impressed with how the Z FC handled grain in low-light situations. Instead of a mess of color blotches and pixelation, the low-light grain has a film-esque, even texture to it that, when displayed on a small screen, such as a phone, isn’t distracting.

Photos taken on the Nikon Z FC with the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens.

The Achilles heel of the Z FC is its slow auto-focus system. Often the camera can’t find any particular object to focus on and will do a fair amount of hunting once a point is locked in. There is focus tracking, in both photo and video modes, that works well in perfect light, but in low light, the camera struggles to hold onto a single point. Also, the green focus assist light is incredibly bright and draws a lot of attention to itself. Pair that with an auto-focus system that often misses the mark, and you might as well be a flashing Christmas tree out attempting to take photos in the dark. The slow kit lens doesn’t help this situation, either; you might have better success with a brighter lens, but I was not able to test that.

In video, the lens’ autofocus is audible when playing back footage and does a lot of hunting, even on faces in bright light. I shot in 4K 24FPS while testing this camera, and while it cannot shoot in the log, the MOV files are crisp and oddly stable in perfect light. I say oddly because the Z FC has no internal stabilization, though the kit lens can provide optical vibration reduction (VR) with a bit of a crop to your frame. The camera’s light weight is a huge help in keeping a shot steady, but I turned off the VR setting and was still surprised at how stable my shots looked. Below is some sample video that I filmed entirely handheld with the VR setting off.

Sample vlog footage from the Nikon Z FC. All footage shot at 4K 24FPS with the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens.

But now to the elephant in the room and the biggest difference between the Z FC and the Z50: the look of the hardware.

The Z FC is a plastic take on Nikon’s 35mm F cameras. It shares the same retro look with the iconic silver body, a faux-leather wrap-around design, and dials on top. When I saw it earlier this year, I was instantly excited because it has long been a dream of mine to have a digital version of my Nikkormat FTN, which, although produced by the Japanese company Nippon Kogaku K. K., shares the same design as Nikon’s F cameras. But the moment I held the FC, I knew this wasn’t for film enthusiasts looking for the same manual shooting experience in a digital body.

Lightweight cameras with plastic parts feel like toys no matter how good the internals might be. The high-pitched click of pulling out the articulating screen or battery compartment and the slippery feel of the plastic body make me question the camera’s durability as well. And although many folks will be happy with this camera’s output, the experience of using it leaves a lot to be desired for a person who has become so used to the sounds and feel of more premium systems. I recorded every sound the Z FC makes in the video below.

All of that is to say this camera is not made for folks coming from all-metal, well-constructed 35mm cameras such as myself. It’s designed to look good from afar and be light enough to take anywhere, but using it feels like playing professional rather than actually being professional. And Nikon has played into the fashion first approach with six color options.

There are three dials on top of the camera: ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.

The Nikon Z FC is a great entry-level camera for fashion-forward folks who will be motivated to carry this camera everywhere because of its retro design. With most controls being set to dials on the top of the camera, the system is easy to use, and the quality of the images and video is very good.

Fujifilm and Leica cameras remain the closest experience to shooting with all-metal vintage camera bodies because of their many manual control wheels and solid construction. As for the Z FC, it’s a great camera for $959.95, but it does not provide the same experience of the cameras Nikon designed it to look like. Its looks are instead intended to attract an audience that wants to look the part of a photographer without having to carry the heavy gear that was once needed to be one.

Photography by Becca Farsace / The Verge

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What's Included

Z fc Body Only (Black)

Z fc Body Only
BF-N1 Body Cap
DK-32 Rubber Eyecup
AN-DC23 Camera Strap
EN-EL25 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
MH-32 Battery Charger

Z fc Camera Body (Black)

NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR - Silver

LC-46B 46mm Snap-On Front Lens Cap
LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap

NIKKOR Z DX 28mm f2.8 (SE)

LC-52B 52mm Snap-On Front Lens Cap

NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR - Black

Z fc Camera Body (Amber Brown)

Z fc Camera Body (White)

Z fc Camera Body (Natural Grey)

Z fc Camera Body (Sand Beige)

Z fc Camera Body (Coral Pink)

Z fc Camera Body (Mint Green)

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Based on 66 Reviews

Own this product already?

Nikon lover and user for 60 years..

Posted by Ed Joseph on June 14, 2024

This is my sixth Nikon since 1965. This is a lightweight, easy to use camera. It handles well, easy to operate, and fun. The learning curve is simple and enjoy taking pictures with it.

Amazing Camera

Posted by jordan cardona on February 17, 2024

This is my first professional camera and I can say that I am completely in love with this camera. what originally caught my eye about this camera was the style, but all the features and cool stuff you're able to do with this camera makes this something to be really proud to own and photograph with.

Best everday camera for photography lovers

Posted by Alexander Stefan on February 15, 2024

A great camera for travel and walk-around. I'm now shooting more than ever before. I love its retro look., light weight, solidly made and easy to operate dials. Battery life is a bit low and I wish the remaining charge indicator was in percentages.

Funnest Digital Camera ever! Does not disappoint in preformance either.

Posted by Lester Lester on January 18, 2024

The Form Factor of this Camera makes digital photography fun, I love my Nikon FG and always wished there was a digital form factor like it, well here it is and in an affordable package. I am hoping that Nikon continues to grow the portfolio of DX lenses, the Z line of glass is spectacular in performance, I find the contrast especially impressive.

Love the retro look and the shutter sound

Posted by Martin Perez on January 17, 2024

Love the retro look. Amazing camera for the price and performance. I love the shutter sound of this camera. The color reproduction is outstanding. I only wish that there were more lenses to match its retro look.

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Nikon Z fc Review

A great choice for a walkabout or travel camera

While it’s not the only retro-inspired mirrorless camera out there, the Nikon Z fc’s personality and portability make it a great choice for a walkabout or travel camera. Largely based on the 18-month-old Z50, its internals aren’t the most advanced or fastest around, but overall performance is solid and new user-friendly touches like the articulated screen and USB-C power supply are welcome.

Gorgeous FE-inspired retro styling
Lightweight build
Fast, accurate AF
Vlogger friendly features
No in-body stabilisation
No headphone input

Availability

UK RRP: £899
USA RRP: $960
Europe unavailable
Canada unavailable
Australia unavailable

Key Features

Style Retro-styled camera with various physical dials and switches
Video skills Records 4K at up to 30fps, 1080p up to 120fps
Flexible display Fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen

Introduction

We usually strive for objectivity here at Trusted Reviews, but it’s impossible to get away from the fact that one’s relationship with a camera (or any similar tech product, really) starts on an emotional level.

That’s why styling is considered a vital part of the industrial design process, and why Nikon has harked back to its 1970s and 80s heyday with the new Z fc – a camera that shares most of its innards with the Z50 but clads them in a gorgeous old-school black-and-silver shell.

Very much inspired by the firm’s beloved FE 35mm camera, the Z fc’s handsome retro looks are clearly engineered to attract style-conscious photographers and videographers seeking a modern-day camera with real personality – but is there more going for it than its fetching looks?

Design and handling

The camera has a distinctly retro design, despite featuring modern internals
The inclusion of an articulated screen and USB-C power supply are welcome additions that make it easier to use
The controls are inspired by old-school 35mm cameras, with manual dials for adjusting ISO and shutter speed located on top

The Z fc is a good-looking camera, as I have said – and it’s well-constructed too.

The magnesium alloy frame is both sturdy and lightweight, so while it may look like a 40-year old camera it won’t put nearly as much strain on your neck. It’s not weatherproofed, and the exterior is metal-look plastic rather than actual metal, but there’s a sense of solidity here that suggests the Z fc will last you for years.

The controls are also inspired by old-school 35mm cameras, with manual dials for adjusting ISO and shutter speed located on top. This isn’t a new concept for mirrorless cameras (Fujifilm has been doing it for years with its retro-influenced X series models), but it’s a refreshing new direction for Nikon, and the dials feel suitably weighty and clicky when twisted.

Also on top you’ll find a separate dial for exposure compensation and two switches that sit underneath the ISO and shutter speed dials respectively. The former allows you to instantly toggle between video and photo capture modes; the latter between the standard Auto, P, A, S and M shooting modes.

There’s a dedicated button to stop/start video recording and a tiny LCD screen that displays the current f-stop setting too – a curious addition that feels a little redundant given that all settings can be shown on the back screen and in the viewfinder.

The old-school design isn’t as purely ergonomic as some modern-day camera shapes. There’s no big grip for your right hand to wrap around, for starters.

That’s not to say the Z fc isn’t pleasing or comfortable to hold: its textured leather-effect body does provide something to grip onto, and the controls (including front- and back-mounted adjustment dials) are all located in the right places for your fingers to find.

To prove that it’s not doing everything by the retro playbook, the Z fc includes a decent OLED electronic viewfinder and an excellent 3-inch rear touchscreen.

The screen is particularly impressive. It’s fully articulated and can be flipped to one side of the camera body to face forwards – a boon for vloggers and anyone else trying to arrange themselves in a shot. It’s a major improvement over the Nikon Z50’s flip-down screen which, when facing forward, got blocked by vlogging handles, tripods and anything else attached to the bottom of the camera.

Features and performance

It has very similar controls to Nikon’s older Z50, which means it isn’t the most technologically advanced camera at this price.
There is no headphone or mic jack, which impedes its appeal for vloggers.

The DNA of the Z50, Nikon’s first mirrorless camera, comes through strongly in the Z fc’s internals.

The cameras share a sensor, processor and many features, and in some ways this is a positive thing: despite the Z50’s age, its 209-point hybrid autofocus system is fast and accurate, with effective real-time tracking for human and animal eyes, and that translates into the Z fc’s AF setup. Both cameras can shoot stills continuously at up to 11fps, which is a respectable speed for a camera in this price range.

There’s no in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) here, but the Z fc can gain optical stabilisation with compatible lenses. The 16-50mm kit lens I reviewed the camera with supports it for example, but it would have been nice to have IBIS available and any Z mount lens given the benefit of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction tech. One for the company’s next retro camera, perhaps?

The battery is rated to provide around 300 shots on a full charge, with a USB-C port allowing for both internal charging and a constant power supply (something you won’t find on the Z50, incidentally). This will prove really handy for anyone using the Z fc as a webcam or streaming camera (there’s a free Nikon Webcam Utility app for Windows and Mac). A separate AC battery charger is also supplied in the box.

Connectivity is a mixed bag, though. While generally fine – there’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the wireless front, a micro HDMI for video output, a mic input and the aforementioned USB-C port – the lack of a headphone socket for monitoring audio is a glaring omission, especially given the generally vlogger-friendly feature loadout.

Image quality

Strong performance even in low light, with the right lenses attached
Decent 4K video recording, though you’ll need stabilisation

The 20.9MP APS-C sensor used here is a dependable workhorse that delivers strong results in a range of lighting conditions. Like the Z50, the Z fc has an extended ISO range of 100 to 51200 and can perform capably in low-light conditions – although the small aperture of the kit lens on our review sample did limit its capabilities in this regard, and we’d be interested to see how a non-stabilised but larger aperture lens like the new Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 might perform in similar circumstances.

JPEGs from the camera are sharp with rich colours, and while you might not get the sheer dynamic range and low-light ability that a full-frame sensor would bring we think it’s a good trade-off given the Z fc’s compact size. If desired, you can shoot stills in 14-bit RAW format, which should give you more wiggle room when editing.

The camera has a nice range of video options too, with 4K at up to 30fps and 1080p at up to 120fps (for slow motion playback). The 4K footage exhibits a nice level of detail, even if the lack of a true “flat” picture profile limits its filmmaker ambitions somewhat. For vloggers however, there’s real appeal in the Z fc’s combination of good quality footage, lightweight build, front-facing screen and effective real-time eye-tracking autofocus.

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Best offers, should you buy it.

You want a portable camera with personality : The Z fc’s old-school styling and control set-up make it stand out from the mirrorless pack, and its portability makes it suited to travel and street photography as well as vlogging.

You’re looking for cutting edge performance : The lack of in-body stabilisation isn’t unusual in a camera in this price range, but its inclusion would have brought the Z fc’s performance up a level.

Final Thoughts

To view it dispassionately, the Nikon Z fc isn’t much more than a Z50 with a more versatile screen, improved USB port, reworked controls and retro look. But that isn’t how it works, and that retro look gives the Z fc a personality and charm that makes it a far more desirable camera than the Z50 ever was.

The compact size and low weight add extra appeal, and this a camera that feels like more than the sum of its parts. Technology-wise, it’s nothing ground-breaking – but the overall package adds up to Nikon’s most characterful mirrorless model so far.

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You can charge it via a USB C cable or the included battery charger

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There’s an OLED viewfinder on the camera

Sam Kieldsen is a freelance writer specialising in home entertainment, consumer electronics and social media. He's contributed to titles including Stuff, T3, Wired UK, The Mail on Sunday, Metro, CNET,…

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Nikon Z fc camera review

The nikon z fc combines throwback styling with modern mirrorless camera technology in a neat aps-c package that we rate highly..

Space Verdict

The Nikon Z fc is an impressive bit of design and a gorgeous camera to look at and use. On the inside, it's capable and easy to get to grips with for most casual users. After a while, though, more experienced photographers may be looking elsewhere for more advanced mirrorless or DSLR options.

Retro design backs up attractive looks

Classic, simple usability

Lightweight, suited to street photography

Uses good sensor from Z50

More advanced users may look to upgrade soon

An aperture ring on the lens would have completed the package

A current lack of DX Z-Mount lenses means you're limited to a couple of options

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

Performance
Functionality
Related products

After the Z50, which shares an almost identical setup to the Z fc, this is only Nikon's second attempt at a crop-sensor mirrorless camera. Released in 2021, the camera looks to strike a balance between the serious amateur and the beginner photographer — the 'c' in the name denoting this is a setup most at home with the casual image-maker.

Best cameras for photos and videos Best cameras for astrophotography Best mirrorless cameras Best beginner cameras Best telescopes Best binoculars

In this article, we'll be taking a deeper look at the design, performance, and day-to-day usability of the Z fc and assessing its value for money versus its nearest competitors.

Nikon Z fc review: Design

Retro styling is incorporated tastefully
We liked the familiar approach to the camera's controls
The tilt screen offers modern usability and flexibility

The first thing you notice about the Z fc, perhaps one of its outright strengths, is that it looks completely timeless. If you take your dad's old camera off the shelf and compare it like-for-like, there's very little in it visually, and that's because the Nikon Z fc is inspired by and essentially modeled on Nikon's very own FM2, sold by the brand from 1982 until the early 21st century in semi-professional, advanced-SLR guise.

It's worth dwelling for a moment on the design of the original FM2. It was never created for outright beginners but rather marketed toward serious photographers who required a rugged, dependable, and easy-to-use workhorse. Nikon succeeded, and it became one of the best tools for its craft. Through this lens, the Z fc's design is arguably as successful. Although it benefits from modern technology and automation, the ergonomics, styling, and positioning of all the controls and dials work just as well. For anyone with any hands-on time on the FM2, or indeed most SLR cameras from the later half of the 20th century, using the Z fc will be like returning to a familiar friend.

Although Nikon have used automation to largely their advantage with the Z fc, one thing we did miss was the lack of an aperture control ring on the lens. This would have added to the retro appeal and genuinely aided users who want to run their setup in manual mode. For this reason, we found the Z fc to be best operated with some options on 'auto,' but more on that later.

Nikon Z fc review: Performance

Noise control works superbly
The touchscreen is effective and easy to use
AF tracking is suited to fast-moving environments

With the design and form of the Z fc and its leaning towards street and travel photography, it's little wonder that the AF modes prioritize people, the camera does an excellent job of tracking faces and movement that it sees in front of the lens. The crop sensor is the same as the Z50, a 20.9 million-pixel offering that looks sharp, delivers impressive dynamic range and operates effectively in various lighting scenarios.

We were especially impressed with the overall speed of the camera's operation — it's ready to take pictures in less than a second after starting the camera up, and the focus operates exceptionally quietly, which is a bonus and works well for those subtle street photos, too. We did experience a little 'focus hunting' when we presented the camera with a mixture of shadow and light. Still, it didn’t affect casual use and the touchscreen 'press to focus' option, as has become de rigeur for tilting LCD screen cameras, is an excellent addition and operates how you'd expect it to. Indeed, we found the touchscreen to be very responsive, pleasant to use and with minimal input lag.

Image shows the ISO control on the top left of the camera

If you're looking for outright performance in continuous or burst mode, this is one area of the camera's operation that leaves a little to be desired, with 11fps supported for 22 frames before SD card buffering takes over. To be honest, we didn't think it'll matter for most users, but without being able to support the latest SD card technology, those wanting to take photos of sporting events or continuous action, in general, may want to look elsewhere.

When it comes to ISO, it performed slightly better than expected, with values up to ISO 1600 producing no real noticeable noise. In fact, all the way up to 12,800+ produced acceptable results and twinned with the 16-50mm f/3.5 lens (the lens we tested), the camera reproduced everything with the clarity and sharpness we've come to expect from modern-day point and shoots.

Nikon Z fc review: Functionality

Top ISO and shutter controls are a joy to use
Day-to-day use of the camera is enjoyable
Lens options suit a range of content creators

The Nikon Z fc placed ontop of a fallen tree with light hitting the foliage behind, flaring into the image from the left

The functionality of the Z fc harks back to its design, with big, retro dials for ISO and shutter settings, the camera works extremely well in 'hands-on' mode. It is genuinely very enjoyable to play around with speeds and shutter settings as you would on a film camera, but with the added technological benefit of seeing your manipulation on the screen as soon as you've pressed the shutter release. When folded away, we also liked that the simulated 'texture' on the back of the screen can also trick the mind into thinking there's no screen at all. Nice attention to detail.

From a functionality and usability perspective, we thought that this was again one of the camera's strongest areas - as well as the design being fantastic to look at, it legitimately informs the usability, which is lovely to experience. Depending on the kind of photography you're looking to capture, there's a good chance there's the right lens for the job available, too. We tested the Z Fc with the adaptable 16-50mm lens, which is an attractive silver color and by rights, should find a good market amongst vloggers and videographers when twinned with a good microphone. We would argue that video is not this camera's native environment. Still, for beginner or casual videographers looking to expand their knowledge, little touches like a microphone peak meter are nice to see, and most content creators would be amply satisfied.

For travel photographers, street photographers, or those wanting to capture compelling night sky images, we recommend going prime. The Z fc can ship with a 28mm f/2.8 lens, which we'd argue would marginally be the more appropriate lens choice for a camera like this. Again, as we've stated before however, we were disappointed by the lack of an aperture control ring on any lens available which somewhat dampers the film camera aesthetic, albeit not dramatically.

Should you buy the Nikon Z fc?

We think the Nikon Z fc hits the sweet spot in terms of mixing functionality, design, modern technology and a gorgeous retro aesthetic that is a joy to look at. The camera doesn't look at all out of place within a lineup of cameras ten times its age. Although that may seem a slight anachronism, for looks-conscious snappers there's no doubting the appeal of the timeless beauty of the original SLRs.

The manual controls of the Z fc echo cameras of a bygone era, too. While we would have liked to have seen more simple, intuitive aperture controls on the lens, if you're just starting out and looking to get to grips with the science behind the tech, this would be a brilliant way to go as you can instantly see the differences you're making to your photographs with basic manipulation of the shutter and ISO settings on the top of the camera.

If the Nikon Z fc isn't for you

One of our minor criticisms of the camera is that its longevity among the more experienced photographers may be limited, many will look to upgrade to the likes of the Canon 5D MKIII and more elderly Nikon D750 , which second-hand, are looking like great deals at the moment. If you want to stick to the retro aesthetic, there's also stiff competition from the likes of Olympus in its OM-D E-M10 Mark IV , which we reviewed recently, and Fujifilm's X-Pro 3 .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Jacob Little is a photographer, writer and communications professional based in Bristol and Cornwall. His main inspirations come from outdoor adventure, travel, rural living and wild ways and crafts. Passionate about weaving the core principles of storytelling into his images, he approaches brand and copywriting work in much the same way. Conveying a compelling narrative is one of the main drivers behind much of his work.

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5 Reasons the Nikon Zfc Is the Ultimate Walkaround Camera

A new toy brings more joy into my photo workflow.

I bought something a few weeks ago. I’ll say that quietly, as I’ve been doing a very good job of curtailing my gear acquisition syndrome so far this year, and this was definitely an unplanned fall off the wagon. To be fair, it was an item on my scheduled purchases for the year. So, buying it didn’t come completely out of the blue. It’s just that there were far more practical items on the list ahead of it that, objectively speaking, should have been purchased first.

In fact, if we are speaking objectively, this particular purchase falls firmly into the want category instead of the need category. From a professional standpoint, I have all the camera gear I’m going to need for the foreseeable future. And, as someone fortunate enough to own the new Nikon Z9 , I feel fully comfortable that my clients are well covered regardless of the brief.

So why, if I already own the camera at the top of the Nikon Z line, did I decide to buy one much closer to the bottom of it? Well, for fun, of course.

I was lucky enough to review the Nikon Z fc when it was first announced last year. Its retro styling brought about waves of nostalgia for Nikon users and took aim at some of the style-conscious camera market dominated by Fuji’s X series in recent years. In terms of the sensor, the image quality was on par with the existing Nikon Z 50 , which had been released a year prior, and is still on par with the sensor of the recently released Z 30 entry level social media camera. None of the three are aimed at the high-megapixel, high-pressure, commercial productions which provide my living. Instead, they are alternative versions of entry level cameras which appeal to different Nikon users and take advantage of the brand's burgeoning line of Z mount lenses.

Upon my initial review, I pointed out how hard a time I was having giving back the loaner camera. Although it served no real business purpose to my particular use case, the sheer enjoyment that I gleaned from using the device was enough to give me pangs of remorse when having to return the loaner through UPS. I am a big proponent of thinking of camera purchases as investments rather than as gilded toys. But, I also am a big believer that if you want to develop your eye professionally, one of the best ways to do so is to practice “seeing.” This can take many forms, but, for me, this often takes the shape of my daily afternoon walks or the occasional weekend photo safari. These are not days when I’m looking to come back with fresh material for my portfolio. Rather, these are just times when I go out to really study light, color, and composition. The images are likely never going to make it off my hard drive. But the act of creating them teaches me something and develops my skill set.

Now, it is not at all uncommon for me to go gallivanting through the streets of Los Angeles carrying thousands of dollars and several pounds worth of photo gear just to take street shots. But, when trying to go nonchalant, small is greatly appreciated. So I always like to at least have the option to pack light with a tool that can hang around my neck for hours at a time without giving me back pains by the end of the day. In an effort to simplify, I had recently sold off all my old Fuji X cameras, which had previously served that purpose, choosing instead to centralize my gear around Nikon. But that left a gap for a small camera to fill. And, business related or not, it felt clear that the Z fc could scratch the itch.

So why the Z fc and why now? Well, the “why now” portion of the question is easiest to answer. Having now been out for over a year, I was able to find a used copy of the camera, which made it easier on my bank account to pull the trigger on a purchase. Why the Z fc as opposed to other cameras in the same price range or others in the Nikon line? Well, here are a few reasons.

Yes, I can hear the derisive calls of “hipster” being hurled at me digitally already. But, the simple fact is that the camera is just darn pretty. This has absolutely zero effect on image quality. But there is a practical advantage. Hear me out.

I recently broke up with a woman I’d been seeing. That’s a story for a different type of article. But I brought her up simply because one of the things we enjoyed doing was going on long walks together. Similar to my afternoon solo excursions, there was no particular destination in mind. Rather, it was just a way to spend time together, talk, and grow as a couple. Because I like to always have a camera on me, I would often want to bring along a camera as we went. Combining my “seeing” practice with our leisurely strolls. Part because I wanted to shoot a bit. Part because I wanted her to know that part of me, since photography plays such a big role in my life.

But she was not a photographer. And while you and I might love the idea of traipsing around the city with a flashy full-bodied pro camera around our necks, even I can see that the “tourist look” might be less than appealing for my walking partner. The small form factor and stylish nature of the Z fc, on the other hand, makes it far less conspicuous. Sure, it’s still a camera around your neck or in your bag. But it’s pretty enough that it could be considered a fashion accessory of its own.

Even when I’m out solo, it’s not the kind of thing that puts strangers on guard to see hanging from my neck. It just doesn’t seem as out of place as seeing someone walking down the street with a huge Z9 and a 24-70mm for no apparent reason. Instead, the Z fc just seems like something I put on the same way I would a necklace or a really cool watch.

Do any of those reasons make it any better at capturing photos? No. But do those reasons make it more likely that I’ll have it with me at all times? Yes.

Speaking of strolling through the city with unconscionable amounts of camera gear on you, there’s a real benefit to lowering your burden, both in terms of weight and liability. As I said, I’m pretty careful when I choose where I do my walkabouts, but you never really know what or who is lurking around the corner. And even though my pro gear is all well insured, I can’t say I particularly relish the idea of having to choose between my gear or my physical wellbeing should someone try to take it from me physically.

Now, let’s be clear. Your safety is always more important than your gear. Under no circumstances should you take risks with your physical wellbeing to protect an inanimate object. But, of course, that’s a far easier decision to make if the camera someone is trying to steal is on the less expensive side of the spectrum.

The lower price (especially at used rates) also makes it easier for me to use as a knock-around camera. My pro bodies can absolutely absorb massive amounts of punishment. That’s part of the reason why they cost so much. But, there’s something to be said for a camera at a price point where you don’t much care if it absorbs punishment. I can toss my Z fc in a bag, in a glove compartment, under a seat, or wherever else I feel like sticking it between shots. I pick it up and put it down multiple times throughout the day. Its job is to always be on hand to shoot. And, in the process, it takes a licking. But it keeps on ticking and providing exactly what I need it to. A quick and easy portal to help expand my vision as a photographer with a minimal amount of fuss.

Easy to Use

When I was growing up, my father would always spend lots of money on cameras he would rarely use. My mother, on the other hand, would purchase whatever camera in a disposable box might be hanging in the impulse buy section of the grocery store checkout line and was capable of doing everything for the user just short of pressing the shutter button. She would refer to these as PhD cameras, as in, "Push Here, Dummy." The true definition of point-and-shoot.

Now, as I said earlier, one of the main reasons I like to have a walk around camera is to develop my eye. This often includes very intentional manual manipulations to exposure to try new approaches to technique. But sometimes I just want to see and shoot. I do enough mental gymnastics on exposure when shooting professionally. When I’m out on a walkabout, it’s often more important to just “see” rather than burden myself with too many adjustments. Again, this is not to say that I don’t understand what adjustments are being made. Only that sometimes when you go on a nice photo walk, you’re as interested in having a nice peaceful walk as you are in the photos.

The manual dial setup of the Z fc makes it very easy to transition from full manual mode to PhD mode. So, when I want more of a challenge, it’s there. But, when I want to just turn off my brain and feel my way through a scene, that option is there as well.

The Right Specs for the Use Case

As a commercial photographer and director, there are certain specs that are simply non-negotiable. Often these center around resolution, frame rates, delivery formats, and so forth. But, in a personal fun camera, my needs are different.

Take, for example, the 20.9-megapixel sensor. This would not be nearly enough for the type of work I do professionally. But, when taking a bunch of photos for fun, the smaller file size associated with this megapixel count is actually a blessing. Who needs 102-megapixel images of their dog sleeping? Okay, maybe I do. But that’s just because Archibald is very cute. But the vast majority of shots I take for fun should consume the smallest amount of hard drive space possible.

Likewise, the camera lacks many of the high end video features that I, as a director/cinematographer, find to be absolute necessities. No log formats. No raw video formats. Only certain frame rates available in 4K. But, again, this isn’t the tool I’m likely to choose to shoot my next feature film. It might, however, be the tool I would use to shoot behind the scenes or vlogging content. Footage that I’m not likely going to need to do extensive grading to in post. Rather, it would be the type of footage that I’m going to want to take straight out of camera and edit it into a sequence or stream in its natural state over social media. The specs of the Z fc aren’t going to blow your socks off. But they are the exact level of spec necessary for the use case of the camera.

Access to the Z Mount

Am I likely to attach the same massive wildlife lens I used on my Z9 to my Z fc? Probably not. But it’s nice to know that I can. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve simplified my life and attempted to bring as much of my gear collection as possible inside one brand. Because I have my main professional cameras as Nikons, having a personal camera that utilizes the same camera mount just makes sense. I might not always use the same lenses on each. But I can. And this ability makes packing gear more efficient and sensible. The Z 28mm f/2.8 pretty much lives on my Z fc. And while it doesn’t often find its way onto the Z9, the fact that I can put it on my Z9 gives me that many more options to play with.

There are a number of great entry level cameras on the market these days. The Z fc isn’t even Nikon’s latest entry into the category. But, despite the fact that it was a decidedly personal purchase rather than driven purely by business need, I couldn’t be more happy with my acquisition. It provides me with a great tool for personal shooting. And more important than that, it’s provided me with a great deal of fun.

Christopher Malcolm is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle, fitness, and advertising photographer, director, and cinematographer shooting for clients such as Nike, lululemon, ASICS, and Verizon.

Nikon D850 Versus Z 7II: The Ultimate Showdown

Modern camera's has becomes way to complex and with way to many options for customization. You can easely lose you way and feel like its the camera that dictate the photographic experience.

This little gem, gives back the feeling of control to the photographer (if you so please).

It is the kind of camera, that put a smile on your face. The camera equivalent of a Mazda MX-5.

Your comment brings the pentax mx-1 to my mind. A great little camera.

You can adapt almost any lens mount to Nikon Z (Canon, Sony, Leica, obviously Nikon F…), do I think that point still stands if you are not a Nikon shooter.

I love the Mx-5 reference ! But Nikon forgot the Aperture ring on its lenses and THAT makes the difference between a gem and a business plan for being trendy.

Not necessarily. Old Nikkor MF lenses can easily be adapted to the Zfc and can be found quite cheap. Here’s a photo with the 50mm f/1.2 AIS attached.

I guess I don’t understand the logic. If the Zfc is only for people who already own Z lenses, why isn't the Fuji only for those who already own Fuji lenses? My point was that if you want retro controls with minimal investment in lenses, the the Zfc shouldn’t be ruled out just because someone doesn’t own Z lenses. For me, while Fuji does a nice job with their external controls and lens selection, but I find their user interface to be a hinderance. I used to have an X-Pro2 then a X-E3 as travel cameras. They took wonderful images, but I became frustrated when trying to use the menu system to make changes while shooting. I switched to the Zfc and couldn't be happier. While I also have a Z6 and some Z lenses, I never have a need to use them on the Zfc as they are a bit large for the body. The kit 16-50 and 50-250 are all that I really need for travel and are both incredibly sharp. If I need something faster, I can add an old MF prime. In my mind, there are also plenty of other reasons to chose the Zfc over Fuji (overall weight, articulating screen, long exposures up to 900s, no worms in LR). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either Nikon or Fuji as they both can create outstanding images. I made my choice based on the overall shooting experience.

OK, but you can't adapt Z-mount lenses to the Fuji. If you are into adapting lenses, the Nikon Z mount should be your starting point because with it short flange distance, it is the only universal mount.

Now that said, I might struggle to come up with a Z-mount lens you would want to put on a Fuji with Fuji's lens catalogue.

While this is a great option for those who are already deeply invested into the Nikon ecosystem, I don't think it's the ultimate walk around camera. That mantle is held by Fujifilm. They have been producing affordable cameras with supreme levels of control and top quality glass for decades. They literally have a camera for every budget, size, use scenario and specialty. There are several great options specifically for street photography enthusiasts.

Given that I own a Z9, Z7ii and an Zfc, I think that they ultimate walk around camera when I want great full frame IQ is one of my Z7ii bodies without the grip. A Z7ii with a 35 1.8 and no grip is almost ideal. And it feels so tiny compared to my Z9 or Z7ii with a grip.

The Zfc is for days out with the family. And even then, if I want great images, I am bringing the Z7ii with a grip or Z9 and a prime.

I use the LEICA D’LUX 109. 25-70 , 1.7. Manual and Auto. The ultimate walk around camera for me.

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Nikon Z50 vs Zfc

Comparison Winner

Recommended price: 850$ / 680£ / 800€

Recommended price: 950$ / 765£ / 900€

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Which one to choose and why?

Technical comparison

Recommended accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

Nikon zfc vs nikon z50 - which one to choose and why, why choose the nikon z50.

Cheaper body

850$ / 800€ vs. 950$ / 900€

Has a built-in flash

Larger screen

3.19" vs. 2.95"

More sensitive low-light sensor

-4 EV vs. -3 EV

Why choose the Nikon Zfc?

Newer camera

June 2021 vs. October 2019

More compact

135×94×44 mm vs. 127×94×60 mm

22% smaller body

34.05 in 3 vs. 43.69 in 3

7% longer battery life

300 images vs. 280 images

Better burst (mech.)

11 fps vs. 5 fps

Larger buffer

35 images vs. 30 images

Technical specifications - Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Zfc

Viewfinder features, autofocus features, physical characteristics, screen features, optional features, recommended lenses.

Check recommended lenses for these cameras

Suggested Accessories

For nikon z50.

SD Card SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC

Nikon EN-EL25 Battery

Nikon FTZ II Adapter F to Z

For Nikon Zfc

Others VS to check

Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z30

No other comparisons of Nikon Zfc

Detailed comparison by Sylvain PONS

As a photography enthusiast, I've spent a lot of time exploring, comparing and analysing these cameras' features to help you make the right choice!

This comparison may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you decide to buy your camera through our links. Of course, the price doesn't change for you. If you've enjoyed this page, it's your way of supporting our work. Thanks!

Sources: Nikon Z50 , Nikon Zfc

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The best lenses for the Nikon Z fc in 2024

We pick the best lenses for the Nikon Z fc, Nikon's retro-style mirrorless camera, and a cult classic in the making

Nikon Z fc with Z 28mm f/2.8 lens being tested by a DCW reviewer

The Quick List

Best standard zoom
Best wide-angle zoom
Best for street photography
Best standard prime
Best telephoto zoom
Best superzoom
Best macro lens
How to choose
How we test

The Nikon Z fc is certainly a nice-looking camera, harking back to the design of the Nikon FM film SLR and rather like Nikon's retro-revival Nikon Df – though with a smaller APS-C sensor and a MUCH more affordable price tag. So what are the best lenses to get for the Nikon Z fc? This is where it gets a little more complicated.

Beautiful as it is, and while the Nikon Z fc is one of the best Nikon cameras , it doesn't have that many lenses yet. It's true that you can use all the full frame Nikon Z lenses on this camera, but these can be big and expensive, and the smaller APS-C sensor in the Z fc produces a 'crop factor' which reduces the effective angle of view of full frame lenses. Some of the best Nikon Z lenses are great for the Z fc, mind, even if they are for full frame cameras, and we've some in our list. For the most part, though, a smaller format camera like this needs lenses designed for the smaller sensor, particularly for wider angles of view. So we've also made sure to include all the dedicated Nikkor Z DX lenses Nikon currently makes, and the good news is that in addition to the two kit lenses and a telephoto lens that arrived at the start, Nikon has added an extra-wide-angle zoom and a handy little fast prime lens. It's still early days, but the lens range for the Nikon Z fc is already enough to cover most users' needs. You'll see that we've put 'equivalent' focal lengths in our lens specifications below. This is so that you can judge their focal lengths in full frame camera terms. We also pay special attention to in-lens VR (Vibration Reduction) systems, since the Nikon Z fc does not have in-body stabilization.

Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews Editor. He has used practically every interchangeable-lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium-format cameras, so he has the expertise to select the best Nikon lenses for you.

Kit lenses sometimes get a bad rep – but this one gives you a versatile standard zoom range, packs down small and won’t break the bank. Read more below…

Whether you want to shoot landscapes or film yourself for a vlog, the extra-wide angle of view on this zoom has got you covered. Read more below…

Tailor-made for the Z fc’s smaller image sensor, this prime is the ideal focal length for street work, or just for walkabout shooting. Read more below…

This is made with full-frame cameras in mind, but it works great on the Z fc – there’s even a retro-styled SE version. Read more below…

This is like having a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm lens rolled into one – supremely versatile, and compact and light with it. Read more below…

On the Z fc, this zoom gives you a focal length range that’s ideal for capturing action up close or photographing wildlife. Read more below…

View the full list ⤵

This affordable prime gives you life-size magnification, so you can capture some great close-up shots, and makes a decent portrait lens too. Read more below…

Best lenses for the Nikon Z fc in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best standard zoom for the Z fc

1. Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is the standard kit zoom for the Nikon Z fc – and if you're debating whether to get this camera body only or pay just a little more to get the kit zoom too, we can help you out. Get the kit zoom!

This lens offers a really useful 24-75mm focal range in full-frame terms, and its retracting mechanism means it packs away really small. It's a versatile little lens too, because it can focus right down to 20cm for close-up shots. It even has a control ring for different camera functions.

We would say that the plastic build means it doesn't exactly have a premium feel, but at this price, what would we expect? It’s still a lens with a lot of charm that you’ll enjoy using as your everyday lens.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR review

Back to the top ⤴

Best wide-angle zoom for the Z fc

2. Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

When the Nikon Z DX-format cameras came out we were worried that there weren't any ultra-wide-angle lenses for it, as this is one of the first lens types we would recommend after a telephoto. But Nikon has put that right, launching the excellent Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR.

This doesn't just offer wide-angle shooting for stills photography, but makes a great vlogging lens too. The extra-wide angle of view is ideal for arms-length walk-and-talk style filming, and its in-built VR will help with any jitters. The PZ (power zoom) mechanism offers smooth zooming while filming, and the lens doesn't change length while you do it, so it's not going to upset the balance if you use it on a gimbal.

The Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is light, compact, and very keenly priced for a lens of its type. Bravo, Nikon!

Read more: Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR review

Best street photography lens for the Z fc

3. Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7

Prime lenses have become very popular in the past couple of years. They're smaller and lighter than zooms, have faster maximum apertures and need less correction for optical issues like distortion. So we were really pleased to see Nikon launch the Z DX 24mm f/1.7 prime, because it's designed specifically for the Z fc's smaller sensor and shows real commitment to this new format.

With an effective focal length of 36mm in full-frame terms, this is a really handy walkaround 'street' lens or semi-wide standard lens for all sorts of photography. There's no optical stabilization, but that's normal on prime lenses and the fast f/1.7 maximum aperture will offer lots of help in low light. This is a very light, compact and effective lens at a very good price.

Best standard prime for the Z fc

4. Nikon Z 40mm f/2

Here's another prime lens you might like to consider getting for your Nikon Z fc. It's available in both a 'plain' and an 'SE' version styled to match the Z fc (though this does cost a little more). This also covers the full-frame format too, so it's a lens you can take with you if you upgrade to a full-frame Nikon Z camera, like the Nikon Z5 in our image above.

On the Z fc, the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 gives an effective focal length of 60mm, so it works like a slightly 'long' standard lens. The key feature here, though, is the f/2 maximum aperture, which should deliver nice background defocus effects. The Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is small and light and great value for money, though of course at this price you can't expect professional build quality and materials.

Best telephoto zoom for the Z fc

5. Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

There's no doubt that a longer zoom range is useful, and there may be times when the Z fc's regular 16-50mm lens won't let you zoom far enough for faraway subjects. That's where the Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR steps in. Its 27-210mm equivalent focal range means it's practically a superzoom lens and one that can tackle a far wider range of subjects. It's not usually available as a kit lens option, though, and it is quite expensive as a standalone purchase, so you might want to think carefully.

It is pretty compact and light for a lens with this range, but it's a bit disappointing that it comes with a plastic mounting plate. That's normal on cheaper lenses, but this isn't a cheap lens.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR review

Best superzoom for the Z fc

6. Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR

The Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is a compact, light and effective telephoto zoom designed specifically for the Nikon Z fc and other Nikon Z DX cameras like the Z50 and Z30. A telephoto lens is usually the first choice for an additional lens, and this one doesn't disappoint, with an impressive 75-375mm full-frame equivalent focal range – that's impressive magnifying power for a lens this small and light.

The build is plastic, as is the mounting plate, but don't let that put you off – it helps keep the weight of the lens down, and doesn't affect its optical performance, which is very good at this price. The slow maximum aperture of f/6.3 is a bit disappointing, but the Nikon Z fc delivers good image quality at higher ISOs, so you can use this to get faster shutter speeds where needed.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR review

Best macro lens for the Z fc

7. Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Nikon doesn't make a macro lens specifically for the DX format Nikon Z fc – but this full frame macro lens will do just fine! The Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro offers the 1:1 close-up capability of a true macro lens, and on the Z fc it offers an effective focal length of 75mm, so it can also double up as a short telephoto or even a portrait lens.

There's no optical Vibration Reduction, so you will be well advised to use a tripod for macro shots (it's good advice even with stabilization) and the shooting distance is just two inches at maximum magnification, so it could cast a shadow on your subject or scare off timid insects. That aside, though, this is a great macro lens for the Z fc, and at a price that won't scare off Z fc owners either.

Read more: Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro review

How to choose the best lens for the Nikon Z fc

Which lenses fit the nikon z fc.

The Z fc uses the Nikon Z lens mount and is compatible with all lenses designed for that mount. Nikon’s own Z-mount lenses all have Z at the start of their model names.

You can can use any Z-mount lens on the Z fc, although some Z-mount lenses are designed for use with APS-C format cameras such as the Z fc, rather than full-frame cameras. Nikon lenses that fall into this category have DX as part of their model names. These lenses are typically smaller, lighter and cheaper than the equivalents designed for full-frame cameras.

If you buy a DX lens and later upgrade to a full-frame Nikon Z camera, the image you get through the DX lens will be cropped compared with a full-frame lens.

The Z fc is also able to use F-mount lenses, which are made for use with Nikon’s DSLR cameras. For this, you need an adaptor such as the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II . The idea is that owners of older DLSR cameras can buy a Z camera and still use their old lenses.

How do I know which lens to get for my Z fc?

The reason there are so many types of lens in the first place is that different scenes demand different lens designs, particularly when it comes to focal length and aperture rating.

Usually, you will decide what you want to photograph, then get a lens with the focal length that suits the situation. For example, to shoot landscapes you will need a wide-angle lens, while for sports and wildlife you will need a telephoto.

You can watch this video that explains focal length : it helps you work out what kind of lenses you need for different genres of photography.

How we test lenses

The lens experts in our testing lab run a range of tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the centre of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths.

There's more to it than just the technical side, though! Beyond the lab, our reviewers test lenses in real-world environments – and sometimes on professional shoots! We work with lenses both indoors and outdoors, in studio conditions and in natural light, with as many different subjects as is possible (or appropriate – there's no point testing a landscape lens' ability to shoot a portrait!).

We take into account everything from handling and ease of use to speed of autofocus and the overall quality of the images produced.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

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Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com

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The Best Compact Cameras That Really Fit in Your Pocket

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Best Compact Camera for Most People Sony RX100 VII Read more

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Best Compact Camera for Photographers Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx Read more

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A Digital Camera With a Film Heart Fujifilm X100VI Read more

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Best Vlogging Camera Sony ZV-1 II Read more

I was recently thumbing through a photo book at the library and ran across a double-page spread of a crowd surrounding a celebrity taken in 2008. The photo itself wasn't great, but something jumped out at me—everyone was holding a compact camera. Canon Powershots, Nikon Coolpix, Sony Cybershots, and others I didn't recognize littered the scene. Fast forward a few years, shoot the same image, and those cameras are now smartphones .

I get it. The phone is always with you and good enough for the selfies and snapshots most people capture. But … shooting with your phone isn't much fun. I think this is why we've seen a huge resurgence in interest in compact cameras. People love “vintage” compact digital cameras, and some laughably bad cameras from the early aughts are selling on eBay for more than they did new, thanks to viral videos. To save you from overspending, I've tested and ranked all the compact cameras I could get my hands on—these are the best point-and-shoot cameras I've tried.

Check out our many camera buying guides, like the Best Mirrorless Cameras , Best Action Cameras , Best GoPro Hero , Best Instax Cameras , Best Camera Bags , and our step-by-step instructions on How to Choose a Camera .

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .

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What to Look for in a Compact Camera

If you want to upgrade from your smartphone to a dedicated camera, there are three key things to look for:

Size and weight : If it doesn't fit in your pocket, are you going to carry it around? Part of the appeal of a pocket camera is that, ahem, it actually fits in your pocket. Except for the Fujifilm X100VI, all the cameras in this guide are small and light enough to carry in your pocket.

Image quality: The larger the sensor the better, but also, the better the lens, the sharper and more contrasty your images will be. I've mainly suggested fixed-lens cameras for this reason; they typically have faster, sharper lenses.

Extra features : Phones are decent snapshot cameras, but they rarely have good macro lenses, built-in neutral density filters, or fast autofocus. If you're investing in a pocket camera, look for nice extras like these.

Best Compact Camera for Most People

The Sony RX100 VII might be overkill, but if you want a point-and-shoot camera nearly as capable as a mirrorless or DSLR, this is the answer. With a reasonably fast (f/2.8 to f/4.5) aperture, extremely versatile 24- to 200-mm zoom lens, 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor (stacked-CMOS), and the ability to shoot 20 frames per second, the RX100 VII is a seriously impressive pocket camera. Did I mention it shoots 4K video and has a mic input for adding a high-quality external microphone? It'll double as a vlogging cam if that's your bag. The RX100 also has something many compact cameras lack: a good viewfinder. Call me old-fashioned, but I find composing images easier with a viewfinder. The autofocus system is impressive too, and in many situations, it's better than my Sony A7RII mirrorless camera . There are plenty of manual controls for those who eschew the fully automated nature of point-and-shoot cameras.

All that said, I have two gripes. The entire interface is a complicated mess, and related to that, the defaults are often not the best settings to get the highest-quality images out of the camera. Neither is a big deal, but if you get the RX100 VII, spend some time with the manual to figure it all out. Also, while there's a mic input jack, there's nowhere to mount a microphone on the camera. Fortunately, quite a few third-party cold-shoe mounts allow you to add a mic off to the side.

Best Compact Camera for Photographers

The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) are close to being the perfect pocket cameras. If you want an unobtrusive, understated, over-capable compact camera with more thoughtful extras than anything else in this guide, this is the camera for you. I have shot with the original GR III, which uses a 28-mm lens, and the GR IIIx, which is otherwise the same but has a 40-mm lens. For all-around, general use, the 28-mm is probably the way to go, but I love the 40-mm focal length. The reason the GR III is not my top pick is video. The best you'll get here is Full HD video at 60 frames per second, so if video capture is important, opt for another model.

The 24-megapixel APS-C sensor is wonderfully sharp and has great contrast paired with either lens. The 3-inch touchscreen display is bright enough to compose with in most conditions, though there are some cases where I've had to shade it to get a better view of the scene. There is support for an optical viewfinder, but I've not used it. The three-axis image stabilization is impressive given how small this thing is (stabilization is half the reason cameras keep getting bigger). Despite its age, the GR III can charge by USB-C and connect to your other devices over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The extras that photographers love are the built-in neutral density filter, 2 GB of built-in storage, an excellent macro mode (with a close focus distance of 2 cm), film simulations (like Fujifilm, Ricoh has JPEG presets that mimic film stocks), and what Ricoh calls “snap focus.” The latter is a feature I use constantly. It allows you to set a predetermined focus distance that the camera will default to when you quickly press the shutter. It allows you to bypass autofocus and get the shot; it's a fantastic feature for street shooters who might often shoot from the hip or otherwise somewhat blind. A lot of people call this a street photography camera, but I think that's selling it short; it's a great all-around travel camera. It fits in your pocket, takes amazing images, and never feels intrusive when you shoot with it. What more do you want in a camera?

A Digital Camera With a Film Heart

Thanks to TikTok, the Fujifilm X100VI ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is one of the most sought-after cameras on the internet, and for good reason. It packs a very sharp 40-MP sensor in a light, compact, and portable body. It doesn't quite fit in your pocket like some of the others here (well, it might if you wear cargo pants ), but the 40-MP APS-C sensor is well worth the small amount of extra bulk. (See our camera buying guide for a breakdown on sensor size and how it affects image quality.) The six stops of in-body image stabilization means you can hold this camera in your hands in low-light situations and still get sharp images.

Much of its appeal with the TikTok crowd no doubt has to do with the retro rangefinder look, but the beauty here is much more than skin deep. The fixed 23-mm lens (the equivalent of a 35-mm lens on a full-frame camera) may not zoom like the Sony above, but it's plenty sharp and has wonderful contrast. The hybrid viewfinder means you can shoot with this as though it were a rangefinder if you want, or you can use the digital viewfinder, or both combned, hence the “hybrid” term. You also get the full suite of Fujifilm's various film simulations, allowing you to produce photos that mirror the color rendering of old film stocks.

The X100VI can shoot 6.2K 30-fps video and 4K footage at up to 60 fps. That makes this camera more than capable of great video, but there's a catch: The annoyingly loud focusing noise. I'd say the X100VI is fine for short clips and casual video, but not a great choice for those who want a true hybrid photo/video camera. The other drawback to the X100VI is the autofocus speed; it's not great compared to the competition.

Best Vlogging Camera

The awkwardly named ZV-1 II is the best camera I've tested for the budding YouTube or TikTok star. Sony's original ZV-1 was a decent vlogging camera, but the second, “Mark 2” as it's known, improves the original design with a wider-angle lens that makes it easier to shoot at arm's length. That, combined with the revamped controls, makes this one of the best cameras for filming yourself.

The 18- to 50-mm (f/1.8 to f/4) equivalent zoom lens is plenty sharp and wide, and the Multi-Face Recognition mode is extremely clever and effective. In this mode, the ZV-1 II will detect when another face comes into the scene and automatically stops down the aperture to keep everyone in focus. There are limits obviously, but it works surprisingly well. The onscreen controls, which use the rear touchscreen to offer a smartphone-like shooting experience, are perfect for anyone looking for higher-quality images and audio than a phone provides but wants to retain the ease of shooting that smartphones offer. The other improvement over the first version is the ability to charge via the USB-C port (which means you can bring a portable battery and recharge on the go).

Best Underwater Compact Camera

OM System's TG-7 is more or less the Olympus TG-6 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) with a new nameplate on the front. The Olympus TG line of cameras has long earned a spot in our Best Action Cameras guide as our favorite underwater camera , but it's great above the water too. The 12-MP micro four-thirds sensor in the TG-7 is the lowest-resolution sensor in this guide, but it still produces great images. The bright f/2.0 to f/4.9, 25- to 100-mm optical zoom lens has good contrast, even underwater. I've printed underwater shots from the TG-6 (which has the same sensor) at 11 x 14 and found them plenty sharp. The excellent macro mode is a nice extra and makes the TG-7 more versatile than others.

I'm also a fan of the Field Sensor System, which records GPS coordinates and ambient temperature with the images. I've never found much use for that data, but it's fun to have. The 4K video tops out at 30 fps, which is good enough for most things you'd do with this camera. If you want slow-motion footage, you can shoot 1080p at up to 120 fps. One thing I noticed about the TG-7 is that it seems to have fixed the noise of the zoom lens when recording video.

It's also worth emphasizing how tough this camera is: It's freeze-proof, crush-proof, dustproof, and shockproof (you can drop it from 7 feet). It also has quite a few “real” camera features, like focus stacking for close-ups, an extensive set of add-ons and extra lenses, and even an underwater case that extends its depth rating.

If Money Is No Object

The Leica Q3 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is, like most Leicas, an absolutely fantastic camera and correspondingly priced. The 60-megapixel sensor is capable of stunning images, and the fixed 28-mm f/1.7 Summilux APSH lens has wonderful contrast. It's also a unique lens in that it's capable of manual focusing, autofocusing, and macro shooting all through very clever use of the focus ring. Just managing to make an autofocus lens easy and smooth to focus manually is a feat almost no other lens maker has pulled off. The electronic viewfinder is a 5.76-million dot OLED screen that's bright and sharp. I never had any issues with manual focusing using it. Unlike many systems I've used that require a button press, turning the focusing ring automatically zooms in to allow for precise focusing.

The Q3 is capable of shooting 8K video at up to 30 fps (H.265). There’s also Apple ProRes 422HQ support for 1080p video capture. While I would not suggest that the Q3 is a videographer’s best friend—it’s very clearly made for still shooters—it’s at least capable of recording impressive video. At $6,000, the Q3 is not for everyone. But if you can afford it and are comfortable with the 28-mm focal length, it's a great camera. You'll want to bring it with you everywhere, and it produces the kind of images that make you glad you did.

Overhead view of black and silver film camera on top of printed out photos

The Best Compact Instant Camera

If you want a camera that's more fun to shoot with than your phone, provides immediate gratification in the form of mini prints, and can serve as a printer for any other images you have, consider our favorite Instax camera , Fujifilm's Instax Mini Evo. It's the best camera-printer hybrid in the Instax lineup. As the name suggests, it prints Instax Mini film, roughly the size of a credit card (3.4 inches x 2.1 inches). The body has a film-camera-inspired design (minus the viewfinder), but here, functions like rotating the aperture ring or ISO-style dial are used to control lens effects and film effects respectively. When you're ready to print, pull the film winder. It's clever and fun, but the design is also functional.

The Mini Evo uses a fixed aperture, f/2.0, and automatically switches shutter speed (1/4 to 1/8,000 second) and ISO (100 to 1,600) based on the exposure meter. The exposure meter is accurate in my experience. High-contrast scenes with deep shadows will stump it sometimes, but that's OK because the Mini Evo captures your image to its internal memory (about 45 images, expandable to 1 GB with a microSD card) so you can check your shot on the rear screen before printing. Once you have what you want, crank the “film wind” lever, and out comes your print.

Sleek white digital camera with the lens extended

The Best Budget Compact Cameras

What if you want a dedicated camera but don't want to spend $1,000 to get one? There are quite a few cheap compact cameras out there, some of which aren't even worth the $50 they're charging, but there are others that get the job done if all you want is a better way to take some quick snaps. Here are a few of our favorites:

Kodak Pixpro FZ45 for $89 : This is a great digital point-and-shoot. It’s lightweight, compact, easy to use, and affordable (especially during a time when digital cameras are going viral). It comes equipped with a 16-MP CMOS sensor, a 27-mm wide-angle lens (with 4X optical zoom), the ability to record full HD video, as well as features like red-eye removal and face detection. There’s also a 2.7-inch LCD screen to cycle through all your footage and tinker with the settings. It runs on AA batteries, and make sure they’re alkaline. Otherwise, you might run into some issues with the camera. –Brenda Stolyar
Kodak Ektar H35 for $45 : This is not a digital camera, it's a film camera. It's a half-frame film camera I think is ideal for beginners to film. It's affordable and dead simple to use—it has no controls, just point and shoot. It captures half a frame of 35-mm film for each exposure, which means you get double the shots out of a roll of film. This is my favorite camera for anyone who wants to try film without spending a fortune.

A person's hand out with a miniature camera in their palm

Why We Love Compact Cameras

What's WIRED about compact cameras: We love compact digital cameras because they sit neatly between your phone and a big ol’ honkin’ DSLR or mirrorless camera. They're better than your phone—the larger sensors and better lenses often outdo even the best computational photography of phones—but they're more portable than a “real” camera. A full-frame mirrorless camera will blow even the best compact camera out of the water in image quality, but it won't fit in your pocket. Also, absolute sharpness, massive dynamic range, and 50 lenses to choose from do not make a great photo. Light, timing, composition. That's what you need to master.

What's TIRED about compact cameras: Not much actually. Sure, a camera with interchangeable lenses will give you more options, and larger sensors capture a bit more detail (and make it easier to get that dreamy bokeh), but they are also cumbersome, complex, and often less fun. There's a reason these are called “point-and-shoot” cameras. That's all you need to do, and there's something beautiful and inspiring in that simplicity. The one problem with compact cameras is that the industry seems to have largely abandoned them. The Sony RX100 VII is from 2019, with no sign of an VIII. Ricoh did release the GR IIIx in 2021, but the basic design and sensor hail from 2019. The excellent Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is discontinued and nearly impossible to find. Fujifilm's X100VI, the Leica Q series, and the Ricoh GR series (hopefully) are the main compact cameras on the market.

Closeup of a camera lens partially opened

How We Tested

I test by taking these cameras out in the world and snapping photos in a wide range of lighting conditions, color situations, and varying levels of contrast to gauge their performance. I then print images to see how they look in the real world. I also make sure they actually fit in my pants pockets. Except jeans. Nothing fits in the pockets of jeans. Having done this for nearly a decade, I have a wide range of experience with many camera models and iterations. These picks produce the best results I've been able to achieve.

In case you were wondering, my pocket camera of choice is the Fujifilm X70 . I reviewed it back in 2016 and sent it back to Fujifilm shortly thereafter. But I never really forgot about it. Finally, seven years later, I bought one off eBay. It's not a pick here because it's only available used (and that can be a crap shoot), but I do love it and it's almost always in my pocket.

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DJI RS 3 Mini, 3-Axis Mirrorless Gimbal Lightweight Stabilizer for Canon/Sony/Panasonic/Nikon/Fujifilm, 2 kg (4.4 lbs) Tested Payload, Bluetooth Shutter Control, Native Vertical Shooting

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

795g (1.75lbs) Lightweight and Portable - RS 3 Mini is an ultra-compact camera stabilizer convenient for travel. Weighing only 795g (1.75 lbs), RS Mini 3 is easy to hold for extended shooting.
Wide-Ranging Compatibility - With strong, high-torque motors, the RS 3 Mini camera stabilizer possesses a load capacity of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), enabling a wide range of camera and lens combinations.
Bluetooth Shutter Control - Your camera automatically reconnects after the initial pairing. Easily control photo capture and video recording via the gimbal.
3rd-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm - Get pro-level image stabilization while shooting low-angle shots or filming in flashlight mode.
Native Vertical Shooting - Conveniently shoot content for social media, just mount the quick-release plate to the vertical arm, and you're set.
1.4" Full-Color Touchscreen - The compact camera gimbal features a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen displaying a new, intuitive UI design. Access frequently used settings at your fingertips.

Buy this product as Renewed and save $40.00 off the current New price.

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DJI Pocket 2 - Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with 4K Camera, 1/1.7” CMOS, 64MP Photo, Pocket-Sized, ActiveTrack 3.0 (Renewed)

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DJI RS 3 Mini, 3-Axis Mirrorless Gimbal Lightweight Stabilizer for Canon/Sony/Panasonic/Nikon/Fujifilm, 2 kg (4.4 lbs) Tested

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Looking for specific info?

Product information, warranty & support, what's in the box.

USB-C Charging Cable (40 cm) × 1
L-Shaped Multi-Camera Control Cable (USB-C, 30 cm) × 1
RS Mini Quick-Release Plate × 1
RS Mini Tripod × 1
D-Ring Camera Mounting Screw 1/4"-20 × 1
Screw 1/4"-20 × 1

Product guides and documents

Product description.

DJI RS 3 Mini is a small, lightweight handheld stabilizer with a powerful payload capacity. It supports mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations and inherits the excellent stabilization performance of the RS 3 series. With DJI RS 3 Mini, you can unleash your shooting potential and achieve effortlessly professional creation. Pair DJI RS 3 Mini with DJI Mic for high-quality audio that matches your cinematic footage. DJI Mic is a lightweight and powerful wireless microphone system that delivers exceptional sound quality at distances of up to 250 m. Notes 1. DJI RS 3 Mini weighs 795 g (1.75 lbs) in portrait mode and 850 g (1.8 lbs) when shooting with the horizontal arm. Both weights include the quick-release plate and exclude the extended grip/tripod. 2. Check the camera compatibility list for detailed information on supported camera models. FAQ What are the differences between DJI RS 3 Mini and DJI RS 3? Which one fits my needs? DJI RS 3 Mini is lighter and smaller than DJI RS 3. It weighs only 795 g (1.75 lbs) in portrait mode and supports a payload range from 0.4-2 kg (0.8-4.4 lbs), making it easy to fit into a backpack and carry around for travel photography. DJI RS 3 weighs 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) and supports a load capacity of 3 kg (6.6 lbs). It can easily connect to a mainstream full-frame mirrorless camera and lens and supports the installation of accessories such as the DJI RS Focus Motor (2022) and DJI Ronin Image Transmitter, making it an ideal choice for vloggers and solo creators.

Customer reviews

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 77% 10% 4% 2% 6% 77%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 77% 10% 4% 2% 6% 10%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 77% 10% 4% 2% 6% 4%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 77% 10% 4% 2% 6% 2%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 77% 10% 4% 2% 6% 6%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the smartness and quality of the camera support. They mention that it's an absolute workhorse, and is well made. They are also happy with value, and compactness. However, some customers have mixed opinions on performance, ease of use, weight, and stabilization.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the smartness of the gimbal. They mention that it has many cool features, is an absolute workhorse, and is easy to balance. Some say that the technology is high-end and the resulting shots are smooth.

"...Overall, this is an excellent gymbal and every shot was smooth as can be.Only thing I wish it had was a carying case...." Read more

"...Additional Positives:The stability, smart functions , and overall performance is legit.Payload is very good...." Read more

"...for a serious upgrade to your video production, this is definitely worth considering ." Read more

" Recordings definitely look a lot nicer when I use this. Lightweight and works well with the Nikon Z30." Read more

Customers like the quality of the camera support. They mention it's well-made, solid, and ready for everyday actions. They appreciate the composition, durability, and reliability. Some say the hardware is good, but the software is bad. Overall, most are happy with the quality and durability of the product.

"...isn't that heavy at all- but you know you are holding something extremly well made ...." Read more

"...Payload is very good. The composition, durability , and reliability are way better than any camera stabilizer that I have used, especially when..." Read more

"...It feels robust in the hands and gives the assurance that it's designed to last . However, it's worth mentioning that it's a little on the heavy side...." Read more

"...in a full replacement of the other since the whole control panel was deemed defective ...." Read more

Customers like the compactness of the camera support. They say it's great for travel, and lightweight.

"I love thus thing. Its compact , it works well, impresses clients and its lightweight. I can set it up fairly quickly and it just does the job right...." Read more

"...Night and day. Much larger when folded - DJI really could've made the grip removable on this one like they do on the full-sized ones, but not..." Read more

"...I really like how light this is. It will be great for travel ...." Read more

"...Its very portable and folds up very nicely to fit into my bag...." Read more

Customers like the value of the camera support. They mention it's worth the price, has lots of features, and is affordable.

"...It's absolutely worth its price (especially used - just over $200, less than $80 more than the OM6). Night and day...." Read more

"...Those are my first impressions. It's a nice little gimbal for a reasonable price ...." Read more

"Great gimbal. Didn’t come with a carrying case. Disappointing for the price !" Read more

"...Overall, this is a very cost-effective purchase and a great professional stabilizer for new users...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the performance of the camera support. Some mention that it performed flawlessly, while others say that it kept failing and only worked about half the time they used it. The device is extremely unreliable and the results are shaky and uneven in the movements.

"...I truly feel this is more of an upgrade to the Ronin S than SC. The performance , functionality, and adaptability is the best in class for this..." Read more

"...both of themDon't get me wrong I love the gamble but It does not work with all the cameras they list It takes me about 30 minutes to set my gamble..." Read more

"I recently got the DJI RSC 2 for my Canon 90D, and the results have been impressive !..." Read more

"...Lightweight and works well with the Nikon Z30 ." Read more

Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the camera support. For example some mention it's very easy to use, assemble and operate, and the Ronin App is intuitive. That said, others say it takes a little bit of learning, is confusing, frustrating, and hard to use.

"...I can set it up fairly quickly and it just does the job right. One of my most used tools and it can hold alot of weight...." Read more

"...The app is very handy, but DJI wants WAY too much info and the user agreements pretty much say DJI has access to your whole life and that of your..." Read more

"...I want this thing to be so easy to set up , that “granny or grandpa” can do it while they’re sitting in their La-Z-Boy recliner...." Read more

"...The learning curve is noticeable , especially if you are transitioning from a simpler stabilizer...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of the camera support. Some find it stable and not heavy, while others say it's a little on the heavy side. Some customers also mention that the lens is too front heavy for the motor. Overall, the opinions are mixed, and it'll be up to the customer to decide which one is best for their needs.

"...I used it with my canon 90D and 70-105 lens. The camera and lens combo is heavy , and attached to this gymbal the whole set up is very heavy, but the..." Read more

"Recordings definitely look a lot nicer when I use this. Lightweight and works well with the Nikon Z30." Read more

"...However, it's worth mentioning that it's a little on the heavy side . For extended shooting sessions, this might be a factor to consider...." Read more

"It’s not light ; you’ll get an arm-workout. But it works beautifully. Smooth videos paired with an Eos R and 24-105 F4L." Read more

Customers are mixed about the stabilization of the product. Some mention that it's good, stable, and easy to use, while others say that it has some stability issues and is difficult to balance at first.

"...I shot a couple of videos and found that stability is really good .Foldable design: I can shoot from any angle without other accessories...." Read more

"...The gymbal is very stable and very easy to use. The whole balancing act is somewhat tough when following the directions given, but I found several..." Read more

"...The 3-axis stabilization system really works wonders and makes all the difference in the final product...." Read more

"...Once I got this DJI RS3 Mini it was a game changer. Great stabilization !!..." Read more

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Krasnodar Krai Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Krasnodar Krai, often referred to as Krasnodar, is a federal subject (krai) of Russia located in the Southern Federal District. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Black Sea coastline, fertile farmland, and the Caucasus Mountains. The administrative center of Krasnodar Krai is the city of Krasnodar. Here’s some information about Krasnodar Krai:

Places to Visit in Krasnodar Krai: Sochi: This coastal city on the Black Sea is famous for its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Visit the Sochi Arboretum, Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort, and the Black Sea coast.

Krasnodar: Explore the largest city in the region, known for its parks, cultural attractions, and the Krasnodar Stadium. The Krasnodar Park and Safari Park are popular.

Anapa: A popular seaside resort town with sandy beaches, historical sites, and a mild climate.

Caucasus Mountains: Hike and explore the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, including the Sochi National Park and Krasnaya Polyana.

Adler: A city near Sochi, known for its beautiful beachfront and proximity to the Adler Arena Skating Center.

Abrau-Dyurso: Visit the famous Abrau-Dyurso wine estate, known for its sparkling wines, and enjoy wine tasting.

Best Time to Visit Krasnodar Krai: Summer (June to August): The summer months are ideal for visiting Krasnodar Krai, especially the coastal areas, as the weather is warm and beach activities are in full swing.

Spring and Early Autumn: Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are also pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Things to Do in Krasnodar Krai: Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beachfront promenades along the Black Sea coast.

Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of the region, including hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports in the Caucasus Mountains.

Cultural Exploration: Discover local traditions, museums, and historical sites to learn about the region’s rich heritage.

Wine Tasting: Visit vineyards and wineries in the region to sample local wines.

How to Get Around Krasnodar Krai: Public Transportation: Public buses, trams, and trolleybuses serve the major cities in Krasnodar Krai. Sochi, Krasnodar, and Anapa have well-developed public transportation networks.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be used for short trips within the cities and for transportation to more remote areas.

Car Rental: Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the region, especially if you plan to visit various locations.

Domestic Flights: Major cities like Sochi and Krasnodar have airports with domestic flights connecting them to other Russian cities.

Where to Eat in Krasnodar Krai: Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Russian and Caucasian dishes, including shashlik (kebabs), borscht (beet soup), and local seafood in coastal areas.

Cafes and Restaurants: Explore cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine, including European, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Street Food: Try local snacks and street food from vendors in markets and along popular tourist areas.

Where to Stay in Krasnodar Krai: Krasnodar Krai offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts. The coastal cities, such as Sochi and Adler, have a variety of lodging choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

Travel Tips for Krasnodar Krai: Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in Krasnodar Krai, so having some knowledge of the language can be helpful, especially in more remote areas.

Currency: The currency used in Krasnodar Krai is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Safety: Krasnodar Krai is generally safe for tourists, but, like in any travel, be cautious with your belongings and personal safety.

Climate: The climate in the coastal areas is milder compared to the mountainous regions. Be prepared for seasonal temperature variations.

Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting cultural or religious sites.

Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation system, and consider using taxis or ridesharing apps for convenience.

Krasnodar Krai offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. By following these travel tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit to this diverse and scenic region in southern Russia.

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TechRadar Verdict

Editor's Note

Nikon Z fc: Two-minute review

Nikon Z fc: Release date and price

Nikon Z fc: Design

Nikon Z fc: Features and performance

Nikon Z fc: Image and video quality

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Specifications

Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon Z FC review: fashion over focus

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Photos taken on the Nikon Z FC with the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens.

Sample vlog footage from the Nikon Z FC. All footage shot at 4K 24FPS with the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit lens.

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Nikon Z fc Review

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Key Features

Introduction

Design and handling

Features and performance

Image quality

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Nikon Z fc camera review

Space Verdict

Nikon Z fc review: Design

Nikon Z fc review: Performance

Nikon Z fc review: Functionality

Should you buy the Nikon Z fc?

If the Nikon Z fc isn't for you

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5 Reasons the Nikon Zfc Is the Ultimate Walkaround Camera

Easy to Use

The Right Specs for the Use Case

Access to the Z Mount

Nikon Z50 vs Zfc

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the Nikon Zfc?

Technical specifications - Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Zfc

Suggested Accessories

For Nikon Zfc

Others VS to check

General Information

The best lenses for the Nikon Z fc in 2024

The Quick List

Best lenses for the Nikon Z fc in 2024

Best standard zoom for the Z fc

1. Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

Specifications

Best wide-angle zoom for the Z fc

2. Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

Best street photography lens for the Z fc