Nikon unveils Z fc DX-format mirrorless camera plus two lenses

This illustration shows Nikon Z fc cameras with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR (left) and Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) (right) lenses attached. (Source: Nikon.)

Weighing approximately 390 grams, the Z fc camera features a compact body with a pentaprism design inspired by the iconic 1982 FM2 SLR film camera and a similar balance between the black and silver colour elements on the body. It has with three dials and a display panel on the top panel, along with a circular eyepiece and a Nikon logo from the 1970-80s. The letter ‘f’ in the Z fc’s name is a reference to models with symbolic importance in Nikon’s history, while also being inspired by the word ‘fusion’. The letter ‘c’ conveys Nikon’s wish for this camera, with all its inherited tradition, to be used by anyone, anywhere, ‘casually’. The body is clad in customisable leather-like materials that are available in seven colours – black, white, sand beige, amber brown, natural grey, coral pink, and mint green. All seven colours will be available to purchase in Australia as well as the option to have the colour changed at a Nikon Australia Authorised Service Centre for a small fee.

The new camera features a 23.5 x 15.7 mm BSI (backside illumination) CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 20 megapixels and no anti-aliasing filter. It boasts an EXPEED 6 image processor, which supports a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 plus extensions to ISO 102400 and ISO 204800. IBIS (sensor shift) stabilisation is not available but optical Vibration Reduction (VR) can be fully optimised with the new Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens. Video recording is possible at up to 4K 30p resolution with full frame downsampling and a bit rate of 144 Mbps for internal recording. High-frame rate recording of 120/100 fps is possible at Full HD 1080p resolution and electronic stabilisation is available for video with some frame cropping.

Autofocusing is controlled by a phase detection system with 209 selectable points covering 87% of the frame horizontally and 85% vertically.  Eye-Detection AF and Animal Eye-Detection AF are available while shooting stills and video, with the wide-area AF (L) AF-area mode ensuring continuous focus on subjects’ eyes and faces. The Z fc also boasts a 2,360,000-dot OLED EVF that provides 0.68x magnification and allows a dioptre adjustments of -3 to +3 dpt.  Its fully-articulating 3.2-inch touch-screen monitor has a resolution of 1,040,000 dots. A single media slots supports SD UHS-1 memory cards, while the EN-EL25 rechargeable battery is CIPA rated for approximately 300 shots/charge. USB power charging is supported.

For the first time in a Nikon Z Series camera, the Z fc allows exposure compensation adjustments while shooting in AUTO mode. It also provides more than 20 Creative Picture Control effects. The Z fc is also technology-friendly and supported by a suite of software tools, including SnapBridge (ver. 2.8), which supports two automatic connection modes: foreground mode and background mode. The foreground mode connects with the camera only when the app is used, reducing camera battery consumption. The background mode features a constant connection, transferring images automatically even when the smart device is in sleep mode, and is similar to the conventional Snapbridge function. It also supports Webcam Utility, which enables the Z fc to be used as a web camera.

The new Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens is shown in silver, while the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) is available only in black. (Source: Nikon.)

The new Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens is a standard zoom lens that is available in silver of black. It delivers high resolution throughout the zoom range and is usable for everyday snapshots as well as landscapes, portraits and tabletop photos.  The Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) is an affordable compact prime lens with a classic design that is ideal for portraits and still-life photography. This lens features a multi-focusing system, which is usually only made available for the S-Line and uses a stepping motor (STM) to provide fast, quiet and highly precise AF control. It is also dust- and drip-resistant.

Click here for more information on the Z fc and new lenses. Australian customers can pre-order a Z fc to receive a bonus colour change, Nikon ML-L7 Bluetooth Remote Control and SmallRig Vlogging Tripod on purchases before September 30th 2021. (Conditions apply.)

Nikon has also announced the development of the Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, a high-power zoom lens for APS-C format (Nikon DX format) mirrorless cameras. The lens is scheduled for release in 2021. No other information has been released at this point.