Published Jun 29, 2021 |
Nikon has officially launched the Z fc, a 21MP APS-C format mirrorless camera than recalls the styling of its classic FM and FE film SLRs, but uses the company’s current Z lens mount.
The Z fc shares many components with the existing Z50 model, including the CMOS sensor and Expeed 6 processor, but adds a fully articulating display, a USB-C socket that allows both charging and direct power, and a traditional user interface based on the use of dedicated dials for key exposure settings. It also gains full-time eye autofocus when shooting video, along with the ability to receive firmware updates from a smartphone.
![]() |
The Z fc produces 20.7MP images and can shoot at up to 11 fps with full autofocus or 9 fps if Raw capture is set to 14-bit mode. It can shoot oversampled 4K video from the full width of its sensor, including vlog-style capture, thanks to its rotating display and AF abilities.
The rear screen is a 3.0″, 1.04M-dot touchscreen, above which the Z fc has a 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder. This uses the same Nikon designed and coated optics as the Z50’s finder, giving a magnification figure of 1.02x (0.68x in full-frame terms).
![]() |
The camera’s real selling-point is its classic dial-driven operation, to encourage an engaged, considered approach to photography, but backed up by the ability to immediately share the results via the always-connected Snapbridge app, and the use of Nikon’s growing Z series of lenses.
One such lens option is the Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8 (SE), which is being launched alongside the camera. It’s a full-frame lens, which covers the equivalent of 42mm when mounted on the the APS-C format Z fc, and is designed to match the look of the camera and the appearance of Nikon’s classic Ai and Ai-s primes.
![]() |
The Z fc will be available from late July 2021 at a recommended price of $960, body only, or as a kit with either a silver version of the existing DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR retractable zoom ($1100) or with the new 28mm F2.8 (SE) for $1200. Both lenses will be available separately at a cost of around $300 each (but not until fall, in the case of the 28mm).
![]() |
Six alternative color versions of the Z fc will also be available in limited quantities, costing $1200 with the 16-50mm zoom. In the US these will be exclusively available direct from Nikon’s website.
Press Release:
Nikon’s Newest Mirrorless Camera Complemented with an Assortment of New Compact NIKKOR Z Lenses
MELVILLE, NY (June 29, 2021) – Today, Nikon announced the Z fc, a DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic design and functionality. It’s the compact and lightweight everyday companion that evokes both the urge to create and to take the time to embrace the moment. Featuring a heritage-inspired design, satisfying analog controls and craftsmanship that’s both unique and functional, the Z fc is built to be a thoroughly modern camera that’s simply a joy to use for everything from stunning street snaps, self-portraits, vlogging or 4K UHD video content. Nikon has also announced two stylized lenses to complement the compact nature and aesthetic of the camera, plus additional NIKKOR Z lenses 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.”
Fusion of Classic Design + Z Series Technology
The Z fc embraces both Nikon’s heritage and our future with the powerful Z mount to create something truly beautiful; it’s a distinctly designed camera that has the performance to keep pace, but also serves as a reminder to appreciate the moment.
More NIKKOR Z Lenses
As the family of NIKKOR Z lenses rapidly expands, Nikon is releasing a variety of small, high performance FX and DX-format lenses. These lightweight lenses are easy to carry every day, and pair perfectly with the new Z fc as well as other Z series cameras.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z fc will be available in classically styled black and silver starting late July 2021 (US) in a variety of kit configurations; the body-only will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP)* of $959.95, or paired with the silver NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens for $1,099.95 SRP. The silver NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens will be available separately starting in late July for $299.95 SRP.
The NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) special edition lens will be available in a kit with the Z fc camera for $1,199.95 SRP starting in late July, and sold separately starting in fall 2021 for $299.95 SRP.
The six additional color options will be available in limited supply as a kit with the silver NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR for $1,199.95 SRP and will be sold exclusively through nikonusa.com.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR lenses and the entire Nikon Z series, please visit nikonusa.com.
*1 – The maximum standard sensitivity for video recording is ISO 25600.
*2 – The Nikon SnapBridge app can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store® and Google Play™. See Nikon’s website for further information.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Price | |
---|---|
MSRP | $959 (body only), $1099 (w/16-50mm lens), $1199 (w/28mm lens) |
Body type | |
Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
Body material | Magnesium alloy |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 5568 x 3712 |
Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
Effective pixels | 21 megapixels |
Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels |
Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Processor | Expeed 6 |
Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
Color filter array | Primary color filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 100-204800) |
Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
Boosted ISO (maximum) | 204800 |
White balance presets | 8 |
Custom white balance | Yes (6 slots) |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal, basic |
File format |
|
Optics & Focus | |
Autofocus |
|
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 209 |
Lens mount | Nikon Z |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
Screen / viewfinder | |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
Touch screen | Yes |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Exposure modes |
|
Built-in flash | No |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Flash modes | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off |
Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
Drive modes |
|
Continuous drive | 11.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes |
Metering modes |
|
Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | Yes |
Videography features | |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Modes |
|
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
USB charging | Yes |
HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11ac + Bluetooth |
Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
Physical | |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 300 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz) |
Dimensions | 135 x 94 x 44 mm (5.31 x 3.7 x 1.73″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes |
GPS | None |