FYI, if you're thinking the dark tones are getting lost on the Nikon Z fc video footage as compared to iPhone, you can switch to a flat/neutral profile in the Z fc, and with a little light grading in your video editor, the quality is astounding. I also turn sharpness down to 0, as I find the more natural/softer look is far more cinematic. Anyway, I'm excited you're spreading the word about the Nikon Z fc…I picked one up almost immediately after launch and I'm incredibly happy with it! And that's coming from a long-time Canon guy!

I own the D850 , it will always be the workhorse that I love..and I just bought the zfc as my walk about camera, which I’m happy with.

The reason I originally got into photography was because I loved the look of Olympus’ cameras. I started with the omd-em10 and it was so much fun to use that it made me want to take photos. Now I have the Pen F and it’s so fun and looks super cool too!

Recently purchased the Z FC and I am in love with it. I am shocked how much better it is than the Z50. As a former CFO of an all-male high school in RI, I have started a 2nd career as a photographer. The Z FC fills a lot of my needs: for sports it is my backup to the D500 because it has a better auto focus system than my Z50 and Z6. For wildlife and bird photography is is my goto over the Z6 because of the crop factor and the autofocus (plus the 11 frames per second). While every reviewer will point out the shortcomings with lens selection, the FTZ adapted has allowed me to use all of the lenses that I use with my D500. Even though it is a small body, I can shoot with the Nikon 200-500 and Tamron 150-600 will little trouble now that I have added the Small Rig grip. The grip allows me to have a better hold of a lens/camera combo with most of the weight in the front end of the camera. I really, really love the Z FC for many reasons and what I thought was going to be a purchase based on aesthetics, is now based on performance. Love it. Thanks for defending it, Chelsea!

Chelsea, I'm French and the way you pronounced "artiste" at 2'37 put a smile on my face.

I love the dials for teaching the exposure triangle, my students just get it much easier than the menus. The camerabis also much easier to use in places where DSLRs are discouraged like museums and restaurants as it looks like a snapshot camera. Overall a great addition

The thing I like better about Fuji’s is that most of their lenses have an aperture ring. I find moving an aperture ring is very satisfying.

When comparing the dynamic range with iPhone you need to do two things. Either act as a newbie and put the camera in full auto mode and let the camera do its thing, or act as professional and shoot HDR (either in-camera or on computer) and then merge the exposure. iPhone is all automatic, so you will always get that HDR look, even when you do not want it. With an ILC camera like Nikon, you either need to TELL camera to do it, or do it yourself.

I preordered one and received it on August 1st. I love the way it feels in my hand and the way it looks with vintage Nikkor glass. A very different experience than shooting with my big DSLR, both are fun in their own way, but I have a slight preference for this. I love the quality of the shots I'm getting from it.

iPhone lenses are becoming so fast that it's becoming difficult to achieve front-to-back focus when required. Being able to stop down the lens on a 'normal' camera is an advantage that is too often overlooked.

Another great video, thank you. I was a Nikon aficionado but switched all my pro gear a few years ago for Fuji and have not looked back. When this Nikon was announced I did consider buying it as it looks like my first Nikon FE and the nostalgia got to me. However I've seen nothing in any of the reviews which have persuaded me to add it to my XT3 and X100V.

Thank you for a great video 👍🏻 I have the kit with the 28mm 2.8 and I like that combo. Really fun to shoot street with 👍🏻

This has to be my favourite review so far on any product. Thanks for the great tips and detailed information with the comparisons.

Idk, as a Fuji user, I think I like the Nikon implementation of modes better. It’s a pain to have to rotate dials from “A” to somewhere in the middle of the dial. It seems like it would be quicker to just switch a switch to go from program to shutter priority.

I have a fuji xt1 love the tactile feel of the knobs and not going into a ton of menu’s.

i own a d810/d7100 and a z50. i love the z50 for hikes or walks in the rain. and/or just locking the aperature to f8 in good weather and just shooting. i also own a 24-70 f4, but im not really happy with its result for its size(why not just take my dslr). i've fallen back in love with the 16-50mm. IMO the z50 is best with the kit lens, despite its downfalls. its the widest i can get in z mount, its slow, but it just takes more skill compared to using fast primes on my d810. **(im not implying anyone doesnt have skill or i have skill), and composition to get the interesting picture im craving. also the lens locking. It takes a bit of getting used to, theres a vagueness to it that makes you not able to tell when it will snap out/in. i just abuse it and rip it open.

I bought a refurbished Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm lens, which has VR, to go with my mint green Z fc. It's perfect with the Z fc. I've also used the Nikkor Z full frame 24-200mm lens and it does work well. A lens any bigger would be annoying, but that's not the way the Z fc is meant to be used. If I want to do more "serious" photography I can always break out my Z 7.

Great video! Thanks for your unbiased reporting on these cameras.

This is a camera for a specific market i.e people already bought into the Nikon eco system or those with specific requirements. From what I’ve seen elsewhere it appears to be a very good alternative to the Fuji system. Nikon are never going to be able to fully compete with Fuji in this market because this is where Fuji set their stall. However, as an alternative this is ideal especially if your main gear is Nikon full frame. Additionally there will be third party lenses available such as viltrox that are specific to crop sensor. I personally think it’s a good move for Nikon and makes sound financial sense. Well done Nikon.

4:50 Put it in P mode, if you do not like the settings the camera has selected, turn the whizzy wheel, e/g if camera has selected f/5.6 1/250 then by turning the whizzy wheel, you can select any of the other settings that will give the correct exposure, eg, f/8 1/125 or turn the other way to get f/4 1/500 and so on. Works with other nikons, should work with Zed F C

Since most of my life I have lived in the film only era, when I want a camera with the vintage look, I grab either my Canon F-1 New, or my Nikon F2 AS. As for digital cameras, I really don't care much about the appearance, they're changing every 6 months or so anyway. I do the same thing with digital cameras that I do with cell phones, I buy the last year's model when the price drops. Since photography is a hobby, I don't need to have cutting edge technology.

Very similar to my Z50. I got mine with the FTZ adapter instead of the plastic lenses, and use my Sigma 17-50 F2.8 on it. I love the combo. Razor sharp images.

Thanks for the useful video! To supplement my D500 beast that I love, I've been shopping lighter cameras to reduce the load on my bad back for longer hikes. The Zfc was definitely on the short list because I like the styling and it would allow me to still use my collection of DX glass without crop. But it's starting to look like a new iPhone might be what I really need instead, especially with the addition of all OIS lenses and 3x zoom now offered in the new iPhone 13 Pro.

If Tony had of selected HDR then the bear thing would have come out much better. Centering the spot meter on that bear thing and increasing the exposure would also have helped. A smartphone camera is like an automatic car easy to operate, anyone can use it to take reasonable photos. A traditional camera is like a manual car, only some can operate it correctly and actually get good results. In most cases it is not the camera, but the user who is at fault. Any camera will take very good photos in almost any situation if you know how to use it properly.

6:22 / 16:43 that red alfa melted my heart

You didn't mention the great Nikon app. I'm surprised how well it works, and how quickly it transfers images to the Photos app. QUESTION: Can't the Zfc use any DX lens?

You can use the 24-200 Z lens. If your afraid to use FX lenses, then Viltrox has made 3 AF APS-C lenses for the Nikon, 23mm f1.4, 33mm f1.4, and 56mm f1.4. .

The 16-50 dx native lens is a keeper for me. I have all bases covered with this from landscape to portrait at 50mm. Yes I agree that there might be gotcha moments with the shooting like the articulating screen flaking out on me at various angles. That’s what I really hate about it. The video is stunning with the articulating screen. Proper vlogging material. Nikon has a winner even with the silver 16-50mm dx lens.

I think a lot of the wins you gave the iPhone come down to personal preference. For example, the dynamic range test on the creepy bear thing might have more detail, but I think the iPhone image looked very flat and boring. The Zfc image was super moody and to me a lot more visually interesting and appealing. As far as the PASM issue, I think that's a great point and the 'Auto' option should have been put on each dial. Personally though I think I'd just always shoot in M mode, it's part of the fun of a tactile camera :)

Great Video ! I love the leather case and strap for the X-t3. Do you know who made it ? Ty Dan

I'm a Nikon shooter and I was pretty close to picking up a XT-4 as a fun camera but then the Zfc was announced and it was the perfect fit since I can adapt all the glass I already have. Also purchased the 16-80 f2.8-4 for F-Mount and adapted it as my grab and go camera. The eye af is significantly improved over my Z7

Semi auto mode is sometimes possible. For wildlife I use manual mode with the ISO set to auto. I retain the control I want over the Aperture and the Shutter. This way I don't miss shots trying to get all my settings right, just need to make sure the shutter speed is correct for motion blur and shake. Using a Canon R5.

Great review. I have a canon 5dmk4 and a Fuji xt3. I always grab the Fuji for anything except wildlife or astro photography. Great IQ and a fun camera.

I agree that little cameras even like the Zfc can bring back the fun of photography (I'm considering one, even though I have other cameras). I think in a way, it sort of brings back the basics of photography, ie. the exposure triangle. If you put the Zfc on manual mode, you go back to that same feeling as when you were learning about this stuff and I think it makes the experience a bit more enjoyable. I couldn't see the Zfc as being a real professional camera but I think it is a good option for enthusiasts who want perhaps that "fun" factor in their photography. While the gear itself isn't usually important, I think the Zfc does help bring back the fun factor to Nikon users at least. I personally think the Zfc would be a great street photography camera. First, it doesn't appear like a pro DSLR. Second it's pretty inexpensive to replace should get it damaged or destroyed or stolen. I'd much rather take a Z50 or Zfc out doing street photography than my $5000 FF rig. Nikon should have done away with the PSAM dial and just had what Fuji has on the XT30. Auto ON/OFF switch. When it's on, the camera is in full auto mode, when it's off, you use the shutter speed, ISO and aperture controls like you would. Basically if Auto is OFF, it's in manual mode. Personally I think they should have done away with the other modes on this camera as the people who want to get this are likely going to use it in manual mode and/or already have a good understanding of the exposure triangle. Yes these modes make operation faster, but I think it sort of does kill the excitement because you have to remember to flip the PSAM dial to the correct mode you want or the other dials may not do anything. So it can be confusing, and if you're in a rush, you may not realize why your camera, for example, won't change shutter speed even though you've use the shutter speed dial. (regarding the lens, actaully for being a cheap kit lens, it performs quite well. It's not as fast as say Fuji's 18-55 f/2.8-4 lens but it certain is better than say the Sony 16-50 which they have been bundling with their a6000 series bodies for about 8-9 years now.)

The Zfc has focus stacking. Why didn’t you mention it, or use it when comparing it to the iPhone? Also, the Nikon captured the light exactly as you see it, with the eyes lighting up in the dark. You also need to redo your video using the new Viltrox f1.4 lenses. Proper lighting techniques also play a major role in both video and still shots. There’s more to it then just pointing it and shooting. The iPhone is still just a point ‘n’ shoot camera and video recorder. For a quick shot or quick video clip the phone is fine. For anything more serious, you’ll need a camera.

The A on the Fuji dials might be nice for photographers, who know, what this means, but I think the solution with the mode dial is definitely easier and more intuitive to use. And I think the camera isn't aimed at us enthusiasts, so... The Zf with full frame sensor is coming, I am pretty sure and that will probably be more focused on enthusiasts, like with the Z5 and Z50.

It really is a fair point, with a slow kit lens, you really are going to have trouble getting consistently good results inside with natural light and to fix that you need a fast lens. It would have been nice to see the Fuji in that part of the review with something like a 35mm f2, which doesn't cost much more than a Nikon adapter. Also, if you're stuck with a kit lens, you could compare with something like a Sony ZV1, which is truly pocketable and a better smartphone compare. I don't have such a new phone, but another thing that kills phone photos is the lag. Especially in low light, things that move are in a different spot by the time the photo is actually taken.

Great video… what camera did you shot this with… ? Lav.’s,… etc. 😀

I just found out Viltrox released a 23 1.4, 33 1.4 and a 56 1.4 for nikon z apsc that has autofocus. All for under $400 each. Yeah I too questioned the Z fc but now three tiny all metal apsc prime lenses, perfect for the camera. I like where this is going....🤔

11:21 I'm so close to switching from the Sony A6400. Is the Z fc on par with the Sony A6400 in terms of accuracy and tracking autofocus? How was that lens/body combo to hold?

Zfc beat the snot out of the iphone in the selfie video comparison. It looked remarkably better.

15:18 I don't agree with the more natural colors. I am pretty certain the warm hue of the Nikon is more in line with what your eyes registered when taking that picture. That's the thing that bugs me about the iPhone: indoor pictures made at evening/night all look like they are made at noon, without the warm yellow glow the light bulbs give off. I find it easier to lower some red/yellow cast in post processing than changing the hue and up the saturation a bit afterwards without adding noise in the process.

I love my fujix100v. The jpeg sooc images are simply stunning and the pictures are so punchy.

I almost bought the Zfc when I got back into photography this summer. At the time, I hadn't paid any attention to cameras for 20 years and the only thing I knew about the new crop of cameras is that they also have video. I just loved the look of the Nikon.

I appreciate the effort and the humour; such a pleasant change from some "photography" channels.

Before Fuji, Olympus brought a similar experience of a retro / fun camera way before with the OM-D E-M5 in 2012. And with the plus of an awesome 5 axis IBIS. I've been asked a lot of times in my trips around the world if I was using a film camera when shooting with my trusty E-M5.

What a clear and informative review! Held my attention throughout and was accessible (I should think) to all levels of photographer. Thank you!

Coming into this video late 2023 while I look to get back into photography. I was surprised by how much I liked this video. Thanks!

Can I change aperture and shutter speed using touchscreen like Cannon M50 or I must use dials only?

I'm still trying to find the joy in photography. Got back into it with Fuji (X-E2 then Pro-2), and I loved it. But after a big time case of G.A.S, I sold that kit and got into the Canon R6. It's been ok and the images are nice, but it's so big and heavy by comparison (especially with the 24-105 f/4) that I rarely take it out except on special occasions. Now I'm looking at these two, but the Fuji (now X-T4) is the clear choice for me. Honestly, I don't care about specs, full-frame vs APSC, etc... I just want to have fun and be motivated to get out and shoot every day.

Though Fujifilm has already set a high standard in the retro ergonomics category, But Nikon Zfc is a good competition now ☺️

If you like this sort of camera, get a Fujifilm Fuji XT30 is smaller, lighter than the XT3 Tony shows with same, great range of lenses, including 3rd party options

Was there post processing or are these images right out of the camera?

guys plz can you just do a comparison between lumex S5 with Nikon Z 6ii side by side?? because i see both with the same price & senser & resolution and both has beautiful colors & picture profile ,so i think it will be a great battle...and by away no photographers did it before exactly between 2 of them side by side... thanks for listening 🙏

What do you guys think about the fujifilm xt200

I have been using X-t3 for about a year. The aperture ring has become very comfortable and natural. I adjust it constantly while shooting. It would be hard to go back to a different setup.

The two different A mode dials to choose PASM was fixed by Panasonic on my LC-1.. 18 years ago... am I missing something? But Tony is right, make it fun. That's why even with my A7Riii I still enjoy my K1/5s, X20 and FpL.. or even my Pl5/M10s or Nikon 1s (when their nylon aperture gears don't break.. nikon looking at you, while I get brass ones from Taiwan) But let's be honest, the Zfc like the KP or Pen, is harking back to the days we enjoyed more than pixel peeping in LR.. we enjoyed getting out there and *trying* to take fantastic photos.. must be why so many manual lens adapters are sold....

The Bear! The Bear! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great/disturbing photo subject. I haven’t laughed this hard at a camera review ever. Very topical for October too. Wonderful.

2:35 - Reminds me a scene from the film "Gone in 60 Seconds." Where Nicolas Cage's character, Memphis, is at the Ferrari dealership looking at the new cars in order to recon the dealer's inventory. He wanted an older classic Ferrari because if he owned one, he would look like a connoisseur to other people. It holds a form of prestige from onlookers.

I still wondering if it’s worth it to change my D750 for Fujifilm X100V or ZFC. I can use my F mount lenses on ZFC but on other side X100V is more compact and seems to be better to carry everyday. I’m not sure how the ISO handling versus D750. Probably the full frame sensor will win this game.

Love your videos, I have multiple cameras, and still use a smartphone for eBay, they generally seem better particularly after eBays compression. (I use Samsung A72) 👍

I recommend the app focus for Portrait shoots on the iPhone. At least for the iPhone 10, the phone i have right now. You can edit the focus after the shoot and much more. Different lens simulations for example.

CONGRATS Frank!!! :)

Hi, what is the best auto flash for canon 800D. I am looking for budget one please. Please help me. Thank you

The iphone was probably doing HDR processing with 2 or more frames. Was it fair to compare that with a single frame on the other cameras?

I am somewhat surprised but also glad you did not trash the ZFC the way you did the Z50. I won't buy either of these simply because I have too many cameras from M43 to APSC to Full Frame but if I was just getting started again, would consider the ZFC no doubt.

Great review. I bought a Zfc, I really enjoy it as a fun camera and a backup to my Z6ii. BTW, thx, I joined PPA last week with my Tony coupon. Cheers.

@Chelsea Northrup nice strap on your Zfc. Which brand?

Congrats Frank (and family!) Beautiful baby.

Viltrox has small apsc 1.4 native primes for Nikon z bodies for the zfc

I just ordered a Zfc for my and my g/f to use as an out about camera and for her vlogging. Look at for us, we'll have the mint green one! Lets hope Nikon produce more DX lenses for the Z series - now that Viltrox and Artisans are making Z lenses, they may be forced to. Especially if Nikon produces a Z70 or 790 for wildlife or birders I would still like to get a Z series full frame

How does the XT-30 with a pancake lens compare to to the ZFC?

It would also be useful to shoot a HDR photo with the Nikon built-in HDR feature. It's quick to turn on and in that case the results would be superior to a smartphone. Also, if there is any movement in a photo, smartphone photos quickly fall apart as they can't take enough shots to calculate a sharp and low noise end-result. That's the reason I still use a dedicated camera indoors and especially with a flash.

I expect the Nikon to have better ISO than the fuji

The way Fuji handles setting aperture and shutter speed is simply brilliant.

Viltrox makes a full set of native Z mount 1.4 lenses for the Zf c. Also, Smallrig makes a great grip for this camera so it doesn’t feel likable a bar of soap in the hand.

I just bought a fuji x-t3. I thought about this nikon Z cf after with some remorse. After your video I am happy I bought the X-T3. Thank you.

Hi Tony and Chelsea, I own the Zfc camera and find it brilliant; ever though I use the Sony A1 and A9-2! Ian

I have the ZFC …and I shoot the D850..I love this small retro camera , light , sharp… 2 kit lenses that I kept from my Z50 the focus ..priceless…If I shoot in a pro setting…of course I will use my d850 for everyday zfc is my way to go…

I think that Nikon should make a full frame retro camera like the Zfc. The Df is a great still photo camera and I still use it along with my other camera bodies but the Df has a special feel. Make a 24 MP Zf Nikon.

I was actually looking at these two specific camera and also the nikon z50 i am the enthusiast described by chelsea who wants to get i to photography, also take great photos of my growing child. Any thoughts on the z50

I have a Fujifilm X-T2 with the 18-50mm kit lens. I do enjoy the camera very much, but was considering switching to a Z fc due to hearing that Canon lenses convert better to Nikon than Fujifilm (wife has a Canon R7 and we have invested in quality EF mount Sigma lenses and it would be nice to share them. Does anyone have thoughts or experience in this area?

Been thinking for a while about why “real” camera companies won’t just go full-bore into computational photography and take the smartphones head-on. At first I thought it was just the challenges of fast readout and image pipeline on bigger sensors, and that we just have to wait until that gets efficient enough to support chimping without overheating. But then I realized that most camera manufacturers also sell at least two lines of lenses - kit/hobbyist and professional - and the solution for low light and subject isolation with that business model is to get owners to upgrade from small aperture basic glass to large aperture complex glass with exotic elements, technical coatings, and all the rest. Putting smartphone-like computational night sight and portrait modes into large-sensor camera bodies would cut off that lens upgrade path, along with its multi-thousand-dollar price points. Maybe one of the camera companies will figure out a new business model that combines advanced software imaging with high-end glass. For now, I’m staying a little pessimistic, and still planning on carrying a late-model smartphone to handle very dark shooting situations like Tony’s horrorbear…

Turn spot meter on if your in eye auto focus to get the exposure correct in low light on your subject.

Love your videos, can’t imagine the level of effort to provide content with no guarantee of return. I wanted to chime in to disqualify the insurance that PPA provides. If your bag is stolen at an event or off a hotel’s bell boy’s cart you’re not covered. I had a wild life lens stolen off a hotel’s bell boy’s cart and PPA classified the theft as Mysterious disappearance which is specifically excluded from coverage. Luckily - and to my surprise, at no additional charge - l was able to access coverage thru my homeowners coverage. I had bought into PPA for the gear coverage but after my experience I dropped them as I have built in coverage with USAA.

Regarding the mode dial "problem"- couldn't Tony just use auto iso with min shutter speed in tandem with aperture mode ?

Can you use DSLR lenses on this camera?

I own TWO now! I use them more than my Z 9. The Z 9 is spectacular. I use the Z 9 when I need speed. I have no problems with any of the Z fc controls. I use them with the TP Original leather half cases and the small rig strap. I have the rufous brown and the green cowhide half case, they protect and add a LOT of grip! I get a LOT of comments positive from even PROS! The fc is Nikon reference to film camera.

5:28 Nikon Df to Chelsea: "Am I a joke to you?!"

Would an XT20 be better just for photos? Taking into account the price

I agree with Chelsea about the kit lens, it's too slow. I don't like the idea of having to up the ISO just to make up for a too slow lens. I'm about to receive, from B&H, a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 lens designed specifically for Z mount APS-C. It has an aperture ring, a distance scale, and a DOF scale. And it's even manual focus with a hard infinity stop, so I'll have the full retro experience now with my Z fc. I'm still shooting film with my 45 year old Pentax MX so I know what I like regarding camera and lens features. Some may think the Voigtlander is a bit expensive to put on a Z fc but it is still the case that the lens is far more important than the camera.

I like Fuji cameras a lot, and if I hadn't already been a lifelong Nikon user I would probably go that route. I own the Z7ii and will get this very soon for other purposes. However, if you compare new/w warranty pricing the Zfc is a better price point than the Fuji examples even with the soon to be released 28mm 2.8 FF lens. I really like the weight difference too. Since I always have an iPhone with me I don't feel I'm trading one for the other, it's just a matter of what I want out of the photo and my experience taking it. Thanks for the video.

I have a Z50 and a Z7 plus an iPhone 13 Pro Max. I thought about trading the Z50 for a Nikon Zfc but I like having a built in flash and prefer the flip up and down back screen of the Z50. I use all three of these cameras a lot and the ease of shooting with an actual camera body on the Nikons is much easier than an iPhone. However, iPhone multi photo exposure blending just cannot be equalized my Nikon. Another BIG problem I had with my just replaced iPhone 12 Pro Max was lens flare. Videos in daylight sun would frequently have lens flare. This did not happen with the Nikons and their Z lenses. Having a good smartphone camera is great IMO, but better if you combine it with a good camera camera. iPhone in pocket combined with real camera on a shoulder strap is a good combo.

I don"t think that PASM is a design flaw. I think that it is a nod to the retro style of cameras like the AE1 etc. Is that fair Tony?

Hi Tony, Can I ask which focal length did you film this video? 35mm lens

That's a very detailed and honest video. But don't you think even for a person who wants to start photography with a camera over an iPhone, the Zfc is a bit too expensive?? And probably even the Fujifilm x100F will be a better camera than the Zfc

Glad to see Nikon is finally making cameras with flip screen. I bought a D5600 for this reason, it was the only Nikon camera with flip screen at the time

The swiveling screen is an important feature that must receive more praise.

Why is the front element of the Nikon lens so small ?

What's more difficult: Pulling all the way in the parking spot or the PASM switch?