Nikon Canada, Inc. has announced the Z fc, a DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic design and functionality. The compact and lightweight everyday camera features analog controls and works with two new stylized lenses, designed to complement it.
Inspired by the popular Nikon FM2 film SLR, the Z fc allows you to go fully automatic or manual with mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. The exterior of the camera is wrapped in a vintage leather-tone material that offers a premium feel, says Nikon, with a blend of black and satin silver elements. It has carved aluminum dials, engraved lettering, and a circular eyepiece surrounding the bright electronic viewfinder.
The Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD flips out to face the user and automatically adjusts for self-portraits, working on a tripod or holding at waist level for creative angles. The camera comes equipped with a 20.9-MP CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 6 engine to provide clean, professional quality videos and stills, even in low light.
The 209-point hybrid AF system recognizes approximately 87 per cent of the frame horizontally and 85 per cent vertically for precise focusing and tracking throughout more of the frame. Rapid Eye-Detection AF for people and animals enables users to capture the eyes of people and pets, even when they’re moving. Eye Detection AF is also now available in the wide-area AF (L) mode, making it easy to select the area to prioritize focus.
The Z fc has video features like 4K UHD video and a variety of frame rates. Focus is rapid and smooth, with full-time AF that locks onto eyes and faces in the frame. Slow motion can be created 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.
When connected via USB-C, the camera receives power, giving the ability to operate it continuously, which is beneficial for streaming, video production, time-lapse creation, and more. The Nikon Webcam Utility is available as a free download for all users of the Z fc and many other Nikon cameras.
The Z fc is designed around Nikon’s Z mount, the widest lens mount of any comparable camera system, which means more light, and thus more sharpness, contrast, accurate focus, low light performance, and image quality, says Nikon. When operating the dedicated ISO dial to discover photos and videos with minimal noise, clear details, and texture. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 up to 51,2001(expandable up to 204,800), allowing for faster shutter speeds in lower light to reduce blur and reveal striking nighttime visuals.
The Z fc can operate in fully automatic mode, and you can use the exposure compensation dial in auto mode to quickly adjust brightness for a custom look. You also have access to 20 picture controls to add creative or dramatic flair and emphasis to images and video.
Automatically send photos and videos to your phone or tablet for sharing, or use Nikon SnapBridge app as a remote control. The camera’s firmware can also be updated directly from the app.
The lightweight magnesium alloy frame is dust- and drip-resistant and Nikon says the small and flattened profile fits easily into bags. Most settings available at a glance, including aperture through the top display panel.
In addition to the retro black and silver, the Z fc will be available in six additional colour options: white, coral pink, mint green, sand beige, amber brown, and natural gray. It will be available in late July in a variety of kit configurations, with the body only selling for an MSRP of $1,299.95.
To complement the camera and other Z series models, Nikon is releasing several new small, high-performance FX and DX-format lenses, including the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.5-6.3 VR (a stylized version of Nikon’s smallest lens that is great for landscapes, snaps, portraits, and tabletop photos); the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) (ideal for portraits and still photos with blurred backgrounds and excellent low light performance); and development of the Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, a high-power 7.8x zoom lens for APS-C format (Nikon DX-format_ mirrorless cameras. Designed to be a versatile lens for capturing everything from wide-angle to telephoto images as well as short distances, it is set to be released later this year.
Get the Nikon Z fc along with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens for $1,499.95. The silver Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens will be available separately starting in late July for $399.95. The six additional colour options of the Z fc will be available in limited supply as a kit with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR (SL) for $1,629.95.