Nikon Zfc Mirrorless Camera Review

The Nikon Zfc, which combines classic design with modern performance, checks off all of the boxes on a content creator’s wish list: it has a stylish and sleek retro design, impressive image quality thanks to the Z mirrorless system’s flexibility, and it is optimized for vlogging and video applications, among other things.

The Zfc is a DX-format mirrorless camera with a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 image processing. It can shoot at up to 11 frames per second and record UHD 4K video at 30 frames per second. It has a sensitivity range of ISO 51200 and can capture images in bright light. In spite of its classic appearance, this camera has been updated for contemporary content creation.

It has a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, can stream live video, is compatible with external microphones, and has an advanced 209-point AF system with full-time subject tracking and eye-detection AF, among other features.

When it comes to the physical appearance, the Zfc stands out as a clear nod to Nikon’s traditional SLR film camera legacy, and it has numerous recognizable physical controls on the body, such as separate dials for adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, among other things.

The camera body also has a 2.36 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and SnapBridge wireless connectivity, which allows it to be paired with a mobile device and used for remote camera operation. On-location shoots and longer takes are made possible by the Zfc’s capability for in-camera battery charging and on-the-go power, which is provided through the camera’s USB Type-C connector.

A 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 6 image processor are included.

This camera’s 20.9MP CMOS sensor in DX format, together with the EXPEED 6 image engine, delivers a dynamic combination of high sensitivity, nuanced picture quality, and overall speed. Using native values, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 allows for working in a wide variety of lighting settings, and this range can be extended even further to ISO 204800 for working in extremely low light circumstances.

The combination of resolution and sensor size also adds to crisp image quality and smooth color transitions, as well as decreased noise over the whole sensitivity range. In addition to improving image quality, the EXPEED 6 CPU provides a significant increase in overall system performance, including a maximum full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 11 frames per second.

Additionally, in addition to imaging, the sensor’s architecture contains an integrated 209-point hybrid autofocus system, which employs a combination of phase-detection and contrast-detection technologies to rapidly and reliably acquire focus for both stills and video applications. It also offers Eye Detection AF, which employs face recognition to assist lock focus on the subjects’ eyes while employing this focusing technique.

Video Recording in Ultra High Definition (4K)

The Zfc is capable of recording more than just still images; it also has the ability to record UHD 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and Full HD video at up to 120 frames per second for slow-motion effects, as well as the ability to store movie files to the in-camera memory card. It is also possible to capture time-lapse videos directly in the camera.

Design Inspired by the Past, but with Intuitive Functions

Mechanical settings for the shutter speed, ISO, and exposure correction are housed in precision carved metal dials with etched markings. Aside from that, intuitive functionalities make it simple to access auto mode, fast settings, and the menu assistance guide.

Designing the Human Body and Connectivity

  • It is equipped with a huge 3″ 1.04m-dot LCD screen that provides bright, crisp, and colorful picture playback as well as live view filming. There is a vari-angle design on the screen, which is beneficial for front-facing selfie shots, and it is also a touchscreen, which allows for more intuitive operation and navigation, as well as settings control.
  • In order to provide comfortable eye-level viewing, a 2.36m-dot electronic finder is included. It features a 1.02x magnification and is equipped with NIKKOR optics, which ensures a crisp and clean image.
  • Because of its dust and weather resistance, the magnesium alloy chassis is ideal for operating in tough climates and inclement weather.
  • Remote shooting capabilities are enabled through the built-in SnapBridge connection, which allows for the smooth transfer of low-resolution pictures. Communication between the camera and a smart device is enabled through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Wi-Fi. In addition, the mobile device may remotely trigger the shutter and display a live view image from the camera, allowing for working from a distance while yet maintaining quality results.
  • Live streaming and web conferencing are available with the use of a USB Type-C cable that must be purchased separately.
  • Plug-in power is provided through a 3.5mm stereo mini-pin connection.
  • The rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL25) that comes with the camera offers around 300 photos per charge.
  • Compatible with NIKKOR Z lenses as well as F-mount lenses when utilizing the FTZ Mount Adapter, which must be purchased separately.

NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens (Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 SE)

The NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Lens, which is included with the camera body, is an ultra-compact, lightweight FX-format prime lens with a typical Nikon heritage design that is ultra-compact and lightweight.

It is intended to be a flexible wide-angle lens that can be used for a variety of themes, including landscape photography, architecture photography, and reportage photography, amongst others. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this quick and bright lens captures excellent details at a normal focal length while maintaining speed and brightness.

A multi-focus technology, which makes use of two-stepping motors, works in conjunction with the optical design to provide extremely quick, accurate, and silent focus performance, as well as full-time manual focus override, to meet the demands of both stills and video photographers.

The camera may also be programmed to include an intuitive control ring, which allows for straightforward modification of a range of camera and exposure settings. It’s a terrific lens to have in your bag for those unplanned moments that happen at any time of day.

Nikon Zfc Specs

Price
MSRP$959 (body only), $1099 (w/16-50mm lens), $1199 (w/28mm lens)
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless
Max resolution5568 x 3712
Image ratio w:h1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels21 megapixels
Sensor photodetectors22 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorExpeed 6
ISOAuto, 100-51200 (expands to 100-204800)
Boosted ISO (minimum)100
Boosted ISO (maximum)204800
White balance presets8
Custom white balanceYes (6 slots)
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, normal, basic
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points209
Lens mountNikon Z
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution2,360,000
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Flash modesFront-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off
Continuous drive11.0 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weightedSpot
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 BracketingYes
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Modes3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
USBUSB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB chargingYes
HDMIYes (micro HDMI)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11ac + Bluetooth
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionEN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)300
Weight (inc. batteries)445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz)
Dimensions135 x 94 x 44 mm (5.31 x 3.7 x 1.73″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSNone

Nikon Zfc Price

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