Nikon

Nikon Zfc Review

Reviews
19
Score
74/100
From
$1,097
Released
January 2021

We've aggregated 19 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.

Nikon Zfc
Available
Our take
Worth considering

Our editorial take on the Nikon Zfc

The Nikon Zfc is a DX-format mirrorless camera that wraps modern Z-mount internals in a retro body inspired by Nikon's film-era heritage. Reviewers consistently praise its fun handling, excellent ergonomics, and physical control dials that make shooting feel tactile and engaging. The 20.9MP APS-C sensor and EXPEED 6 processor deliver good image quality across a wide ISO range, and the 11 fps burst and 209-point AF system provide solid performance for stills. However, the consensus splits sharply on whether style outweighs substance. Critics note the all-plastic construction feels lightweight to the point of cheapness, and several reviewers express frustration that the camera prioritizes aesthetics over features. The single UHS-I SD card slot, digital-only stabilization, and limited 4K video frame rates (capped at 30 fps) disappoint those expecting more capability at this price. Battery life is also modest at roughly 300 shots per charge. While some reviewers loved the nostalgic experience and found it ideal for casual shooting and travel, others felt let down by the compromises. It's a camera that divides opinion: either a delightful throwback that makes photography enjoyable again, or a style-first design that skimps on the specs enthusiasts expect from a nearly $1,000 body.

Best for: Enthusiasts and travel photographers who prioritize tactile controls and retro aesthetics over cutting-edge specs and are comfortable with APS-C format limitations.
What's great
  • Excellent ergonomics with fun, tactile physical control dials
  • Good image quality from the 20.9MP APS-C sensor across wide ISO range
  • Compact and lightweight, well-suited for discreet travel shooting
  • Vari-angle touchscreen LCD adds versatility
  • Fast 11 fps continuous shooting for an APS-C camera
Watch outs
  • All-plastic construction feels lightweight and cheap despite retro styling
  • Digital-only image stabilization, no in-body mechanical stabilization
  • Limited 4K video capped at 30 fps with no higher frame rate options
  • Single UHS-I SD card slot and modest 300-shot battery life

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.

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Video reviews

Jimmy Cheng (RED35)3y ago
110K subscribers
Nikon Z-fc, a Brilliant camera that no one wants - RED35 Review
155.7K views
Christopher Frost4y ago
373K subscribers
Nikon Z fc | Full Camera Review
73.2K views
Pete Coco Photography4y ago
35.9K subscribers
All Style and No Substance or Does it live Up to the Hype? Nikon Z fc
43.3K views
BoostLeekd Media5mo ago
The Nikon Zfc - How is it in 2026?
14.8K views
Jared Polin4y ago
1.5M subscribers
Nikon Z fc REVIEW: DON'T BUY UNTIL YOU WATCH THIS!!!
280.8K views
Photo Genius4y ago
459K subscribers
Nikons latest retro mirrorless camera tested and rated.
41.5K views
LensProToGo4y ago
107K subscribers
Nikon Z fc: Who's this camera for?
6.5K views
Ralph Mayhew Photography4y ago
20.6K subscribers
Nikon Zfc Review - GOOD, BAD & UGLY
19.7K views
B\u0026H Photo Video Pro Audio5y ago
1M subscribers
Nikon Z fc: A Retro-Style Mirrorless Digital Camera! | First Look
64.6K views

Editorial reviews

Petapixel·
Nikon Zfc Review: Lots of Style But Lacking in Substance | PetaPixel

After spending a few weeks with it, I’ll be blunt and say truthfully, that I both loved and hated the camera. As a man who collects old film systems and still drags them out whenever I’m feeling burnt out shooting digital, I was really excited to get hands-on with this vintage-looking camera.

Read review
Theverge·
Nikon Z FC review: fashion over focus | The Verge

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

Read review
Imaging-resource·
Nikon Z fc Review - Imaging Resource

The Z fc delivers good image quality across a wide range of ISO settings, and the Nikon Z fc is Nikon’s latest mirrorless Z camera. While the Z fc is full of modern mirrorless technology, its style harkens back to Nikon’s film days.

Read review
Engadget·
Fujifilm X-T50 review: A big improvement (for a lot more money)

It's better than the X-T30 II in nearly every way. Fujifilm's X-T50 is a big improvement over the X-T30 II, thanks to its higher resolution sensor, in-body stabilization and upgraded video capabilities. However, the high price makes it more difficult to recommend.

Read review
Dpreview·
Nikon Z fc Review - DPReview

Overall, the Nikon Zfc provides a fun user experience thanks to excellent ergonomics and control dials. As a package it's incredibly fun to shoot with and we recommend it.

Read review
Cined·
Full Lens Control Sony E to Nikon Z Adapter for Full Frame or APS-C ...

This adapter from Megadap will be the first Sony E to Nikon Z adapter to support both full frame and APS-C Nikon Z-mount camera bodies, with full electronic lens control and autofocus performance.

Read review
Bhphotovideo·
Top Mirrorless Cameras of 2023 | B&H eXplora

Probably my choice for most fun camera of the year, the Nikon Zf is the spiritual successor to the Df DSLR and the big brother to the DX-format Zfc. It's a retro-themed full-frame camera using much of the Z6 II's internals with a stylized exterior reminiscent of a film-era FM2.

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thephoblographer.com·
A Beautiful Disappointment of a Camera. Nikon ZFc review

Pros · Light, though almost to the point of feeling cheap at times · Small, and needs a small lens to take the most advantage of this · Focuses ...

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Specs

Battery
1x EN-EL25 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.6 VDC, 1120 mAh (Included) • Approx. 300 Shots
Wireless
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) / Bluetooth 4.2
Audio I O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Other I O
1x USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 (Data) Output (Shared with Power Input)
Power I O
1x USB-C Input
Video I O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Self Timer
2/5/10/20-Second Delay
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Display Type
Free-Angle Tilting 3" Touchscreen LCD
Image Sensor
APS-C
Shutter Type
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter
White Balance
2500 to 10,000K Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade
Bulb Time Mode
Bulb & Time Mode
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Metering Range
-4 to 17 EV
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Matrix, Spot
Max Video Output
Up to UHD 4K at 23.98/25 fps
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
Built In Nd Filter
No
Interval Recording
Yes
Continuous Shooting
Up to 11 fps at Maximum Resolution
Image Stabilization
Digital
Max Recording Modes
H.264/MOV/MP4 Up to UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
Exposure Compensation
-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Internal Recording 4k
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
Internal Recording Hd
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps
Media Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Actual Sensor Resolution
21.51 Megapixel
Iso Gain Sensitivity Photo
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 51,200 (100 to 204,800 Extended)
Iso Gain Sensitivity Video
Native: 100 to 25,600
Effective Sensor Resolution
20.9 Megapixel (5568 x 3712)
Sensor Crop 35mm Equivalent
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Shutter Speed Electronic Shutter
1/4000 to 15 Minutes
Shutter Speed Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/4000 to 30 Seconds
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  • Adorama
    new● In stockBest price
    $1,097
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