Nikon Z-fc, a Brilliant camera that no one wants - RED35 Review
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- With the death of Olympus PEN-F, I've been in search of a camera that will give me all the 'analogue' experience without paying the inflated film prices. There are a few candidates but ultimate I settled with the Nikon Z-fc. This video explains why I bought the Nikon Z-fc, a camera that many considered as a hyped up, over-charged digital camera, and why I thought otherwise. #photography #nikonzfc #filmphotography
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** Contents of this video **
0:00 - Video Start
1:00 - Introduction
1:38 - Build & Ergonomic
5:56 - Modern Features
7:46 - Sample Photos
8:28 - Image Quality
9:55 - Limitations
11:52 - Conclusion
14:41 - Outtro
14:57 - Bonus
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The dial layout is absolutely brilliant! Thanks for this review, my good man.
I picked up the Zfc because of its styling (I have a load of FM series film camera a just adore) the image quality is great. I ended up purchasing a wood handle for ergonomics and the look of the rosewood against the black and silver body is pretty stunning too. I also added a thumb rest that slips into the hot shoe. The old SLR ergo’s were never that great and I have gotten spoiled with the modern cameras, so these little additions to my Zfc have made it very comfortable and uniquely mine. Such a fun little camera.
I love my zfc, it just makes me want to pick it up every time I go past it. I got the all black version. I shoot street and I'm surprised it's not more popular as it's fantastic. I hope they bring out a full frame version! I'd snap that up instantly
Your wish is fulfilled, they are bringing out the ZF, a full frame Nikon.
Got ZF yet ?
I have a Nikon z fc too. I have the actually 85mm, 50mm Z lens, for portrait and 40mm, 28mm for landscapes. You can use the 50mm too if you want an extra quality. But i have one thing to say: You have to prove the 85 and 50mm with this camera, the image quality is insane for 24megapixels resolution. It is a fantastic camera to walk around and take photos, but with the 85 and 50mm lens you have a complete kit to take amazing photos.
20.9 MP…..????
So nice to see your video... When I shot Olympus I followed your channel... But when Olympus started changing and it's future was unknown I switched to the Nikon Z system (Z5, Z50 and Z30). I haven't looked back since switching.... One of the biggest reasons for my change was the "eye detect" since my work is with Models and doing portraits. Loved your perspective on the Zfc, not a camera for me... Thanks for the great HONEST video!
Congratulation with your new toy. It is really a joy to play with.
One misconception I would like to address though, is the build quality, or rather the perception of it.
The Z fc is actually heavier than both your OM-5 and the Pen-F. Only by a 31g and 18g respectively, but it is still a heavier camera. It is also a bigger camera, just so slightly, but enough so, that people expect it to be so much heavier than it is. They get surprised of how light Nikon manage to make it.
Yes, the back and bottom plate are made of "reinforced plastic", but the front and top plate are all made from magnesium alloy (help making it light). The dials are all machined from solid aluminium, and if you look closely, you will find that all the numbers are etched into the metal - not just painted on.
If you decide to keep the camera, I highly recommend the SmallRig L-Shape Grip 3480. It is a perfect fit on the camera and give it a smal handgrip and a little more heft as well.
NB: I really hope you will make a review of that ARTRALAB NONIKKOR-MC 35mm F1.4 lens. 😊
WOW ! What a great style of reviewing = SUPERB
I love my Zfc, it’s an amazingly beautiful camera which takes superb pictures. I’ve just received the new Nikon dx 24mm 1.7 lens- can’t wait to try the new lens. Overall, great price point for a supermodel in looks camera that packs a mighty punch. Who cares it’s not metal, I personally like it not being heavy.
Nice review...special thanks for film equipment note at end ..always curious about this...TY
I really enjoyed your review, one of the best without being too technical. I've been shooting Nikon since 1967 and could not resist the old school design of the Zfc. Except for the "plastic" feel I am in love with this camera. No more expense of the labs or home chemicals. You have my favorite review, in spite of how fast you talk.
Great video, Jimmy! I love my Z fc, too, it's a joy to use. One little correction perhaps, in terms of what you say about the AF: it does have the option to select just a small portion of the sensor to search for eyes, e.g., so it can limit the area. True, you cannot customize the size of it (there is a smaller and a larger rectangle, but that is all), but if need be, it is quite reliable.
I hope OM could have a new digital Pen F replacement also😢
It’s now the most anticipated and disappointing fact. I’m closely watching CZcams and Reddit comments in Oly community I hear the cry for PenF 2 every few days. Including myself.
Me too, !!
Love that Z DX 12-28mm plus I picked up the 26mm too. Love your videos! Cheers!
Nice job on the video Jimmy! Like you, I adore my two Olympus Pen-F's, especially after picking up the TTArtisans 23mm f/1,4 & 25mm f/2 lenses. I wish Nikon wouldn't have ham-strung the Z-fc (and previous version) and left video completely off. Having it made with a metal body with better build control and IBIS, along with a handful of APSC primes like 28, 35, 50, 105mm, etc., would definitely make it a better image making tool and something of a collectable for sure. The even sadder thing, is that if Nikon had built it this way and priced accordingly, most people would ridicule them and say it was too expensive! Remember when the Pen-F came out and all the reviewers dissed the creative dial (and saying that their fingers bumped into it) and most said it was way too expensive for a "not full frame" camera? I hope you have lots of fun with it and looking forward to seeing some great third party lenses for it! Cheers!
Nice video, I've been eyeing that camera since it came out. The OM5, which I have, looks surprisingly small next to it. I seem to have missed where you talk about why it's the 'camera that no-one wants'. The dials on the top look just what I think I want although your talk about no computing makes me wonder what surprises it will hold.👍
Great video. I was an Olympus Pen F user. I started with the Pen- Em 1 and Em2 and OM10 and a Panasonic GF9. I couldn't wait for Olympus to succeed as a new company or wait for a new Pen F. The Pen f and Micro 4/3 were nice but not good for low light Theatre shooting where I do the majority of time recording my work. I sold everything Micro 4/3 except my film Pen F half frame and switched to Fujifilm X-E4 and I'm very happy. I have the smallest lenses as possible and so far, I'm happy. I also repurchased a Nikon FM2n which was the bet camera I ever owned and I love shooting film with it. I was very disappointed in the Nikon ZFc reviews and glad I switched to Fujifilm but I still have. soft spot for m 4/3.
Nice & lively review. And it wasn't boring ❤
My first OM-D was the original E-M10 in silver. I picked that because it reminded me a lot of the old Canon 35mm SLR i had years ago. The Zfc is certainly a handsome camera but I'd have a hard time foregoing the feature set you get with Olympus. Having said that, I also have a Lumix LX100.ii. l enjoy the direct access to shutter speed and aperture.
I had a Nikon FM2 in the early 80's when I was young, I bought the Z-fc as ascetically it's pretty much based on that, the quality of the build of the camera is Very different, the FM2 was Made in Japan & executed brilliantly, the Z-fc is made in Thailand if I remember correctly, I sent mine back straight away as I found it let the legacy of Nikon cameras down a lot
Kudos on getting the Zfc, Jimmy! Perhaps maybe you can also further explore their Creative Picture Control, which I think it's really cool!
Thanks for another interesting review. The Nikon seems large when held beside the Pen F. Olympus needs to come out with a new Pen F with a highly functional Android app. My niece does digital media management for musicians and a lot of that is shot on cell phones because it is easy and the product work has a short shelf life. It's feels like street photography that is intended to hold interest for only a week at most. It seems like a small mirrorless camera with software that didn't impede their work flow speed would be awesome.
Hi,
I bought this model and having a headache.
1. The screen keeps on flickering randomly despite various settings and reset.
2. No beep sound when AF lock. Even beep sound is On to Max. And silent shooting is off.
Any idea?
I've been looking at getting one to "replace" my old Nikon D3000, even though that camera still works well. I like the idea of a pure photo camera without all the add-on guff. Something that just works OK as a photo camera and I like the look of the Z-fc. The pics from the camera look good and that's my main concern...does the camera render a nice photo. I don't care if it can take 4K video at 120 or 60p. So, other than a film camera, this sort of camera would suit my style of doing things quite well.
Excellent overview. I have thought about this cam. Old FM shooter here. As an Oly & Lumix user, this would be a fun addition. But,,, ah, a new Pen F 2. Now there's a thought.
I love my Zfc - like many have said here. Its a fun camera not a system camera. I have the Sony A7R V , ZVE1 and A6700 if I want state of the art autofocus, brilliant video or high resolution - but what do I love picking up as I leave the house, the Nikon Zfc with the excellent 12mm to 28mm PZ zoom. Everytime I pick it up I am shocked by how little this combination weighs and thats a GOOD thing.
Love this review. I’m an old
School
Shooter and computer geek. I miss the old days
I picked up a Black version used for a chunk of a discount and use primarily the Voigtlander 23mm and 35mm f/1.2 aps-c z mount lenses. They're full manual to complete the aesthetic while also being able to talk with the body, so you get working focus confirmation.
For reusing a lot of old tech, the Z50/Z fc have pretty good image quality (I'm assuming the Z30 too, no personal experience). It would have been nicer for Nikon to go the df route over a more consumer one. Not for the sensor size, or even really the feature set, just more of being a tank metal build. There are hints of a full frame version; I don't really care about sensor size, in the right light with what I shoot it makes next to zero difference aside from more expensive and bulkier lenses. I'd be good with them reshelling left over Z5's to use of stock, I loved the one I had for everything but the grip. I guess I have small hands, my E-M1 Mark 2 and 3 both were comfortable, Z5 not so much. Really, I prefer bodies like this and the E-M5's over the big grip cameras personally.
Thank you for this nice video. I found it balanced and informative.
The ZFc is a huge sales success for Nikon. So much so the rumors are Nikon is looking at a Full Frame version. I sold off all my Pro Olympus gear and went Nikon FF but kept my Pen F and will shoot it until it dies. Like the ZFc the Pen F isn't weather proof but the AF really isn't good at all. However i can live with that for my purpose. Now if that FF ZFc shows up maybe I will be tempted to add it to my D850 kit.
Think FF ZF and you'll see a lot of shift not only from olympus but fuji too if nikon get the price right, somthing like Z5 in a ZFC body but better built....would be a winner
If they release a ZFc full frame that's an instant buy
Get a Z5 or Z6 used 🤓
Your wish was granted! We have the Nikon Zf now.
enjoyed this video and curious about what kind of strap are you using on Z-fc, looks similar to peak design?
Not long ago I bought a Nikon ZF and i enjoy it so much that I had to have a little brother for it so like you, i bought the ZFc, i will use a Voitelander 23mm on this camera but I have a few primes from Voightlander and Viltrox that i can use to expand my focal lengths, so in a camera bag will go to ZF, the Zfc along with the 15mm f4.5, 23mm f 1.2, 4omm f1.2 Voightlander along with the Viltrox 28mm f1.8 and 35mm 1..8. From one Jimmy to another, have a Happy New year.one more thing for both cameras i will use the Smallrig grip with the bottom plate ,i have one on the ZF now and it does help with the handling of the camera.
I've gone from Fuji X to Olympus M43 to Fuji X and now to Nikon Z.. in the Zfc. I really like it.
I don't take nearly as many photos "on the job" as I did. So, as I am going back to using a camera more of a hobbyist, this camera suits me just fine and I like using it in its most basic and "pure" form. I probably use less than 10% of it's capabilities/features. But, if I need the more advanced features, they are there and enough to "up my game" where needed.
As with the feel. I agree, it feels not as nice as it looks. But, I found adding a grip with the metal base plate really improves the weight, handling and overall feel to make it "feel" more (higher) quality than it originally did.
The 105mm f2.8 Nikkor S Z mount makes for a great duo purpose macro and portrait lens. I also like the aesthetically matching 28mm f2.8 and 40mm f2 Z prime lenses to use with the Zfc.
Very good review. I may one day pick up a Zfc for the retro aspect. My current retroish camera is the EM10Mii. I miss usingvmy FG20 I got in mid 80s.
Hi, I’m looking at getting this as my first camera for travelling overseas, what kind of lens should I look at for landscape photography and some videos (I’m going to be in the Canadian Rockies)
I was excited to have the Zfc but it was too slippery and I sold it two months later. I know there is an "add on" grip to compensate for the slick skin. And I agree about cheap features like the battery door.
Shout out to the Nikon Df, its predecessor. I am surprised that Nikon didn't increase the maximum shutter speed from 1/4000 since the Df. And yeah, no problem with having side cameras from other brands. I like my Df and recently got a Ricoh GR. For fast, one handed zone focusing, it's the best for street. It digitizes what I do with two hands on the Pen-F with a 28mm equivalent focal length.
In fact, Nikon's Z fc, Z 30 and Z 50 are the only DSLM with 1/4000 as the minimum (not maximum!) shutter speed. All FX Z models feature a minimum of 1/8000 mechanical and even faster electronic shutter speeds.
I am surprised that Nikon did not built the body more solid. I have always thought of them last tanks and not hallow feeling. Makes me want an OM5 instead. If only it had the shutter dials like the Nikon. I really love though the nostalgia of this camera. Maybe some day I might get one just for the organic feel. First though I need one of those Pen Fs in black ;)
Hi Jimmy, if one were to use the zfc with new 24/1.7 and compare with the best of micro four thirds camera and 17/1.8, how would the result be in terms of pure IQ? I assume zfc has an upper hand? Of course there are very few native apsc lenses for zfc and it does not have ibis but thats another matter.
Hi Jimmy. 9:20 I am a long term user of Z fc, 12-bit vs 14-bit Raw not just a choice of Raw file quality. My experience is same as Z6 II, 12-bit Raw will make the camera response faster, less shutter delay and subject tracking works better.
11:10 I think you have made mistakes here. All Nikon Z DX Zoom lens now feature VR and totally are 4 lens below:
1. The one you have mension, newest Z DX 12-28mm
2. Super Zoom lens Z DX 18-140mm
3. Standard Zoom lens Z DX 16-50mm (come with Z50 kit set)
4. Tele Zoom lens Z DX 50-250mm (come with Z50 kit set)
I understood you might be too busy recently and you are new Nikon Z user, I think it's fine to make such mistake. However, I wish you would spend more times on Nikon Z system because it definately improved a lot compared with old DSLR days.
Thanks, like I said, I am a Nikon virgin hahaha. I bought it purely on how old school it feels, as I am shooting manual, response time doesn't concern me much, but good to know it's an option.
Really well done this review.
I have it and absolutely love this camera
Spot on re your observations. And yes I own a wide range of Nikon film cameras including the FM series. When I got my Zfc I thought it was a mock up of a real camera, like the plastic hollow shells you find in IKEA showrooms. Purely for nostalgia reasons but I am currently waiting on the Zf to go down enough to buy, as that seems the only camera may make for us 1970s f series aficionados. I love Nikon but I’ve been a Canon guy for a long time. Fuji X and LUMIX are new but I love Fuji. All fun and games.
When you're video ended, I went to check out what B&H photo has listed on their website as the specs for the Nikon ZFc,and according to B&H under video specs they list the camera having a electronic video stabilization feature, I only use the camera for stills photography so I can't say how this actually works. I have several different camera bodies and added it to my collection for the same reason that you have and it will be in my carry on with a pair of 4/3 bodies next month when I travel to Aruba. Take care.
Honestly think the EM5 mark ii is one of the best street cameras with it's magnesium alloy body, weather sealing and ibis in a small form factor. I've been looking around for a replacement but the only one that comes close costs Leica money
May i know what lens adapter u have on the ZFC? It looks retro
When the Nikon ZF was released I also photographed a Zfc, because the mount allows the use of any Z mount lens I basically did the same with my Pentax collection, I added the K1 MKII full frame camera because I could use many of the lens I have on both the full frame and APSC to give me a greater flexibility on the use of lenses, check the specs for the ZFc because even though the camera doesn't have IBIS in body I believe it does have a stability function for video only.
Hello What lens and adaptor have you got on the camera ??
I got one too. I tried all sort of lens from other companies, 20 plus lens can't go wrong. I revert back to with autofocus when I need speedy photos. I have other cameras in the Z department, Z6 and the new Z30. I got a new lens just bought it is the 12-28mm, I want it wide. Have fun.
thanks for the review . i want one.
I will not give up my Pen-F. I am so happy with those extra features. I don't use most of them. But I have used that color mode for isolation of a yellow car whilst everything in the photo is B&W. Very cool I don't miss my computer for post work. Do it in the camera. More fun out shooting. If I had a photo that is extremely good I could fire up the computer for perfection.
Is the "Nonnikior" len from hk any good?
Nice review, but why do you say there is only one aps-c lens with VR? All 3 APS-C zooms have stabilisation. the 16-50 and the 50-250 and the 18-140.
It may sound strange but get the small rig grip it feels heaps better when it has it connected. It makes all aspects of its feel feel better
Given a choice between this zfc, the oly em5 m2 or m3, or the em10 m4.. Which would you choose to send out for ir filter removal?
EM5 m2, Olympus sensor are better for IR, but that's what I'd heard, as I don't do too much IR photography.
Do I get any brownie points for getting it right ,When you ask everyone what camera you were going to get next a wee while ago. . . This is the one I said you would get .... Great review so pleased you like and yes it makes a great weekend car lol . . . Peace
love you review. most of you statements are on point, but i think Nikon Z have 3 VR lenses (16-50, 18-140 and 50-250 VR)
Zfc is my favorite travel and every day camera if you want to travel light . Zfc + 28mm 2.8 is small compact and fun.
It looks cool, but the thought of pursuing another lens mount sounds tiring. Honestly I'm looking at grabbing one of the weatherproofed Olympuses for my next, but the Pen-F does look tempting. I've got a Lumix rangefinder style already though.
No on wants a Nikon Zfc? Funny troll, but the Zfc is pretty popular. I only got the Z50 instead because of the comfortable grip, but I could happily shoot with either if I wasn’t busy shooting B&W film with my Olympus OM-1. ;)
Title is a bit misleading, it’s quite popular camera for Nikon sales.
Nikon has said it is splash resistant on top.
I think people complain about that battery door because it doesn’t have a spring and I think we would feel like all modern camera doors are flimsy without one.
I’m no Nikon user but I did serious looking into this camera.
In contrast, many hated the Z-fc because it has no IBIS, no computational stuff. Many also said that Fuji is similar and offers better performance because of it. It's two sides, if I said I bought a popular camera, some will then say it's rubbish hahah I can never please both sides.
To get back to the old school photography, I picked up a fujifilm XT3 I love it so much I bought the XT5..these two cameras give me a different photography experience than my Pentax Olympus and Panasonic cameras.
I think anyone who wants traditional handling really needs to go with Fujifilm. I feel the Xfc is a half hearted effort, just FM styling on a Z50, and really a bit of a gimmick.
Nikon Z FC versus the XS-10 or XS-20, what would you suggest? Wanna be photographer here.
I wonder how many times on Jimmy's, Peter Forsgard's and Robin Wong's videos people have commented "we need a new Pen F". Hundreds at least, probably thousands.
Interesting video thanks Jimmy. I had an FE that died, then bought (after saving up) a brand new FM2N that I sold within the last 12 months, so I have affection for Nikon and retro Nikon. I think your images are great - but they usually are whatever the camera. Which is I guess the point, this camera is not aimed at pros, it is aimed at people like me, who are nostalgic for simpler cameras and as you say are over 40. I think OMS have wisely gone in another direction trying to attract new customers who have only used a smart phone? As much as the design appeals I am getting older and my hands are not as steady as when I bought the FE so I would find a non stabilized camera at these prices a bit of a joke. I'll stick with my OM5!
Just ordered mine, seemed like a fun one to add to my collection and I'm gonna get an adapter to try out my old canon fd lens
Ive been wanting a ZFC for awhile, its just been out of my financial reach. I also want a Pen EP7 or Pen F.
Do we have any names for such retro design camera?
I love my Z fc. I have it paired with a manual focus Voigtlander 23mm f/1.2 Z-mount. Between it and my Fujifilm X100F, I have trouble deciding which one to carry with me. LOL!
I was thinking of replacing my old Nikon D60 with a zfc, but they sure don't make the f to z mount adapters cheap. If the zfc came in a rangefinder format, I would have been sold on it.
Great review that explains why Nikon Zf much higher price. Good AF tracking and high ISO setting reasons to buy Zfc
I want a Pen F too. OM systems, please, please make it happen!
Thank you for the video. I was curious about this camera, but not sure it would be my first choice as a retro style camera. A smaller pocketable one would be ideal. A top quality, take it everywhere model.
Now that Nikon has released both a wide angle zoom and a 35mm equivalent prime, we’d welcome your thoughts on those lenses if/when can get your hands on them.
Since I don't have to win my daily bread with my camera, I can afford to have the Z fc as my only camera. It has seriously put the fun back into photography for me.
And no, unlike Olympus/OM System cameras, the Z fc doesn't feature any "computational" stuff. If you want to use that retro-style Nikon to its full potential, you have to be a real photographer, the computational part has to be done by you and your brain, it won't be done by some silicone chips and so-called AI software. The Nikon Z fc separates the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, and that's exactly why I love this little camera so much.
I have the Nikon Z-fc and also the PEN-F. The Z-fc is the better camera - certainly from an operational point of view. Neither is my daily shooter but I love both of them. I agree there should be a threaded shutter release on the Z-fc. My daily shooter is currently the Nikon Z5.
Thanks Jimmy, Im xurious why youd choose the zfc over Fujifilm xt3 for example?
I wanted a basic digital camera that has nothing apart from just a digital sensor. XT3 would be good too but I got the Z-fc at discounted price including a lens, so I went for it.
ow that makes sense. I'm very excited to see the NEW ZF which has leaked. Seems to be a fullframe ZFC would love to see your reactions to it ;) thanks again@@Red35Photography
Beautiful photos. What manual focus lens are you using in the video?
Artralab's new 35mm 1.4, works a treat here as it's more like a standard lens.
@@Red35Photography Thanks. Can't wait for your review of the 12-28mm PZ.
The dials are engraved aluminum, but yeah, it felt not nice in-hand. Put a leather case on it and call it a day. As for colours, Nikon colours tend to skew more metallic, but its very flexible. Throw an S-line FX prime on it and enjoy the laser beam sharp images. Lastly, all the DX Z lenses from Nikon except the 24mm f/1.8 are stabilised. The Z DX 12-28, Z DX 16-50 and Z DX 50-250 are all stabilised.
I bought one of these. It was so light and flimsy and the control systems so strange, I sold it online the same day and bought a Z50, which is superb.
That camera in full frame....gold
Jimmy, please tell OMDS that if they PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE produce a new weather sealed Pen-f I would buy it instantly, because I have that same experience of using my beloved Pen-f more and more selectively.
Please say from the beginning in an easy way so that we could think deeply about the camera, about the experience ican get in relation to begin er Nikon camera. The difference with Nikon other photos and about this Nikon camera.
❤love the photos
Thanks Calvin!
The 16-50 kit lens is having stabilisation too. Am using my z fc with the ftz2 adaptor with f mount lenses, it's pure fun camera to play with. This camera is light weight n compact size but the image quality with the right lens is nothing short excellent for the price. Any photographer who had picked up an z fc n played for a while will surely fall in love with it.
Nb:- you are comparing a micro four thirds sensor with an apsc sensor in this video, that's just kind of stupid. Overall there is nothing like the Nikon Z fc in the apsc sphere at the price point.
The mic only works in screaming mode, Jimmy?
Honestly, the only thing stopping me buying into the Nikon aps-c range with the Z30 is flip out screen rather than a flip up. Two-handed operation to shoot low angle draws too much attention and makes me miss moments of my kids and pets. It's just too long and distracting to do, while doubling the footprint of the camera.
I don't know why they put them on cameras for video either, the screen gets blocked by the mic cables. You can mount a mic on another cold shoe attachment off-camera, but you can't plug the cables in else where.
Plus, for vertical shooting the shutter is awkwardly under the camera rather than in top.
Flip up selfie screen was superior they were right the first time.
The lens that came out with the camera at introduction also has stabilization. The 16-80. You made a huge deal of no stabilization except in the new wide zoom and that is unfortunate because you will have warded many away from this camera with that statement. I’m sure someone already mentioned this but I’m not reading all the comments. LOL
The Zfc is a fun camera with excellent image quality. The jepgs have better colors than my Z50 does. The downside to the Nikon DX mirrorless system is the lack of DX lenses. I own the 18-140, and now the 12-28. With the eventual release of the 24mm prime, I will own three lenses with VR. No more lugging around the heavy and bulky FX cameras and lenses for overseas trips.
The Z DX 24 mm/1.7 doesn't feature VR. I know that for certain because I have that lens in my camera bag.
@@EricMustardman Nikon needs to step up their game for their DX lineup. I am hoping for the Z50II with IBIS. If the new rumored Zf full frame camera has IBIS and is fairly compact, has IBIS, and has a 46 megapixel sensor, this might be my new fill frame and cropped sensor camera.
I love my Zfc, use it all the time for walkarounds instead of my Z9 because it is light and easy
As an apsc Nikon shooter, Z FC was a camera I have waited for. Who wouldn't love a small retro style camera that can fit your old lens (almost) natively, right?
Well, it turned out that the Z FC itself is fine, the lens lineup isn't. I don't know why Nikon always ignores fast affordable 24 mm lens for apsc. For me, a small retro style camera with 35 mm (equiv.) is an ideal setup for fun and joy of pure photography. So I got an outdated Fuji X-T20 and a cheap XF23 f2 instead. It has lots of direct controls, customizable buttons, the feeling of 'click' when tuning the aperture ring is great and turning the maual focus ring (while I rarely use it) is so satisfying. It brings back the fun and joy of taking photo that I rarely feel from my DSLR. I also interest in the Fuji X100 lines, they sure look better and more compact than X-T20, but they are too overpriced.
I have tried some M4/3 cameras, a standard kit of Olympus E-PL7 with 14-42 pancake and a very similar setup of Olympus E-M10 with 17 f1.8, before getting the X-T20. The E-PL7 is totally disappointing, it almost has no any controls at all. All the adjustments lie in clunky menu that seems to take a full second to respond. The E-M10, on the other hands, has more direct controls and customizable buttons. While it works great, it seems to miss somethings that I can't exactly describe with words. Maybe it still has less than ideal direct controls, lifeless manual focus ring of 17 f1.8 and I prefer 3:2 format over 4:3 format. I might say that the E-M10 feels more like a tool or gadget for taking photo as fast as possible (like my DSLR, just ways smaller and lighter) than an actual camera that you can leisurely 'play' with it (like composing, metering, adjusting and choosing film simulation to fit your taste).
As a Nikon shooter who has already invested in Nikon gears, it's a shame that Nikon haven't paid more attention to apsc lens (like Fuji have). It would be great to have a fun little camera (Z FC) that can sometimes be a real workhorse (as secondary camera) with adapted DSLR lens.
Lo and behold. Nikon just launched a 24mm F1.7 for USD279. No VR though and has a plastic mount.
@@victorlim5077 It's REAL!!
Well, it's far too late for me (since I gave up waiting for this lens long ago), but mounting it on Z FC looks great and sample images look promising too. I wouldn't mind if Nikon charged a few more bucks to add a metal mount though.
@@5AM-9PM Yeah. And I don't get the exclusion of VR in this lens. 🤔
I had a Z fc, but ended up returning it. If Nikon builds some small primes for the Z mount like the new 24mm 1.7 (it did not exist when I bought mine), I may have kept it. As it is I am enjoying my Canon RP with the small prime lenses that Canon offers. When the Guggenheim calls with my grant money I'll buy a Fuji...just can't justify that kind of money for what I do.
What lens do you have on the zfc in this? Is it adapted?
No, it's the new 'remake' of the Nikkor 35mm 1.4 by Artralab. I also reviewed them in this channel.
It’s a nice camera…often understated! That said, doesn’t your OM 5 fit the bill?
whats your favorite retro digital camera with interchangeable lens?
Tough one... PEN-F is my favourite over all, small, light and compact, but the likes of Zf-c and the new Zf is a very very close second, and OM-5/E-M5 III are my solid third at this point.
Thank you for this review. I've been very unhappy with the last two full frame dslrs I've owned. Bored mostly. I had a Canon EOS 5D SR which really was more of a studio camera and not good for night photography. Pretty heavy for lugging around all day too when you're 5' 3" and 54 years old. Things start to hurt quickly. Then I bought a Sony A7 r II. I wasn't thrilled with the color of the images and the lenses are in general more expensive than Canon. So I bought a drone... I live too close to a small craft airport so that didn't last long. You really need to practice everyday to get used to the controls. I teach photography in college and I can't stand the cameras that were bought by the schools, Canon Rebel T7i & Canon EOS R10. There are too many buttons and features that students never use and you can accidentally change your settings easily. I found the Nikon Z fc and started to get excited again about a camera. It reminds me of my Nikon FM 2 (which I still have and several lenses) that started my journey in photography at the age of 14. This review helped finalize my decision. I'll take dials over buttons any day. Thank you!
Nikon has been doing this since the Df digital which I used to own. (I have since switched to Fuji X). Many, many will say its a hipster camera, but I disagree. When you look down you know exactly where you are, aside from internal menus and settings and no it's nothing, NOTING like an iPhone. I am a photographer of more than 35 years and an instructor of more than 10 years, so not not a hipster. There are meanings to the design. As a photojournalist is the 1990s I would know what my settings were before beginning to shoot. This embodies that. And when a quick adjustment needed to be made it was right there, instead of push this then turn that 😂 Haters are going to hate in tradition, but id rather make it right the first time then spending the next 2 hours in photoshop correcting your error because you didn't know what you are doing and don't understand the physics of light.
I am just starting out in photography. It looks easy to operate It is also affordable to me. Plus it looks groovy.
I wouldn't disagree. I love using it.
As a former owner of the FM3, I can see what the appeal (for you) is; however, if I had to choose between the two, the former would be my camera body of choice (yeah, I'm well over the "40" mark). Admittedly, I haven't made the transition to Mirrorless - I like my D850 too much. As you assert, the build quality just isn't there - & for Nikon, that's just not acceptable. All my Nikon bodies, be they Analogue or Digital, well, you can drop them in the dirt & they're built like tanks - robust & almost indestructible. Ironically enough, I started out with a beaten up analogue OM1N, with a few Zuiko lenses...the first five years of my photographic journey preoccupied by that venerable piece of kit (I still own it & take it out for an airing every month); in terms of marketing, the price of film/ D & P'ing makes it more uneconomical, but really, I don't care - & of course, it's not immediate. I have very large hands, so cannot say that the Zf would be an attractive selling point either. For what this overview offers, it's a reasonably balanced perspective, & yes, I do like the shots you obtained with this camera. Thank you.
I can't believe nobody has yet mentioned Fujifilm. Much of what is said here regarding the "analogue" experience also applies to the Fujifilm X-T1, X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, and X-T5, and, to a lesser extent X-T10, X-T20, and X-T30. It's why I love my X-T2.
I like the look of the Z-fc, but the one thing I would have really liked is some sort of a grip under your fingers. There's nothing. I have carried too many old heavy cameras around in my right hand to live without that. The X-T2 isn't perfect in this respect, but it is an improvement. Ironically, I normally think of Nikon cameras as having the best ergonomics.
Almost buy this camera due to its vintage looks. But then I realized, Fuji did samw thing forever and had so much lenses.
I still (hopeless) waiting for a M4/3 ILC replacement of my compact & light Panasonic GX1, but retro style camera body hasn't pressed my hot button yet. Probably never since my SLR memories also included difficult times instead of the sanitized good old days stories. Also, the Zfc doesn't have IBIS that continue to limit some of my non VR lenses usages, such as the Sigma DC 50-150 f/2.8.