Melville, NY—The Nikon Z fc is a new DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic styling. The compact and lightweight interchangeable-lens camera features a Nikon heritage-inspired design with analog controls.
The camera’s exterior is wrapped in a leather-tone material and a blend of black and satin silver elements. It’s a familiar design that focuses on style and functionality, with details like carved aluminum dials; engraved lettering; and a circular eyepiece surrounding the bright electronic viewfinder.
Nikon also debuted two stylized lenses to complement the compact nature and aesthetic of the Z fc. It also announced additional Nikkor Z lenses that are coming this year with a focus on “small size and big performance.”
“The Z fc is the kind of camera many have been waiting for, and that only Nikon could create. It’s exceptionally slim, yet offers superb image quality and features, with iconic styling and precise tactile controls. It’s a joy to carry and use for casual street photography, streaming or just living in the here and now,” said Jay Vannatter, executive vice president, Nikon Inc.
“It’s no coincidence that we are also announcing a variety of compact lenses alongside the camera to perfectly complement the iconic aesthetic.”
Nikon Z fc Details
The new mirrorless Z fc is an option for shooting everything from street snaps and self-portraits to vlogging and 4K UHD video content. Its 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor is paired with an Expeed 6 engine to provide clean videos and stills, even in low light.
The ILC embraces both Nikon’s heritage and future with the Z mount. “It’s a distinctly designed camera that has the performance to keep pace but also serves as a reminder to appreciate the moment,” the company announced.
Inspired by the popular Nikon FM2 film SLR, the Z fc affords shooting with analog tactile dials and clicks for precise control. Enthusiasts as well as casual photographers can go fully automatic or manual with mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation. They can use the exposure compensation dial in auto mode to adjust brightness for a custom look. And 20 picture controls add a creative flair to images and video.
With a dedicated ISO dial, the camera has an ISO sensitivity range from 100 up to 51,2001 (expandable up to 204,800). Thus, it allows for faster shutter speeds in lower light to reduce blur and reveal nighttime visuals.
Moreover, the camera features a vari-angle touch–screen LCD that flips out to face the user. The LCD automatically adjusts for self-portraits, working on a tripod or holding at waist level for creative angles.
Hybrid AF
The camera also employs a 209-point hybrid AF system that recognizes approximately 87% of the frame horizontally and 85% vertically for precise focusing and tracking throughout more of the frame. Moreover, Rapid Eye-Detection AF technology for people and animals enables users to capture the eyes, even when the subject is moving. What’s more, eye-detection AF is available in the wide-area AF (L) mode, making it easy to select the area to prioritize focus.
Video Features
Additionally, the Z fc can record 4K UHD video at a variety of frame rates. And it does so with full-time AF that locks onto eyes and faces in the frame. Users can also create slow motion video with the 1080p/120p setting or the 4x/5x in-camera slow motion modes. A built-in interval timer also allows for the creation of 4K time-lapse movies. 
Furthermore, when connected via USB-C, the camera receives power to operate continuously, which is beneficial for streaming, video production as well as time–lapse creation. And with Nikon SnapBridge2, the camera will automatically send photos and videos to a phone or tablet. Photographers can also use the Nikon SnapBridge app as a remote control or to update the camera’s firmware. Plus, the Nikon Webcam Utility is available as a free download for users of the Z fc and other Nikon cameras.
Lastly, the Nikon Z fc has a lightweight magnesium alloy frame with dust and drip resistance. Its small and flattened profile makes it convenient to carry and fit into bags.
Nikon will offer the camera in classically styled black and silver starting late July 2021. It will come in a variety of kit configurations. The body only will have a suggested retail price of $959.95. Paired with the new silver Nikkor Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR lens it will retail for $1,099.95.
Moreover, beyond the retro black and silver version, the Z fc will come in six additional color options: white, coral pink, mint green, sand beige, amber brown and natural gray.
The silver Nikkor Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR lens will also sell separately starting in late July for $299.95.
