Nikon Z fc Black/Silver 2022

The Z fc is a love letter to Nikon's film era that still takes modern, beautiful photos. Buy it for the experience, stay for the image quality, and carry a spare battery.

The 20.9MP sensor punches well above its weight. We're seeing image quality that lands in the top 15% of all mirrorless cameras in our database, which is impressive for a camera that leans so hard on style. The 209-point AF system is quick and the Eye AF and Animal AF modes actually work, not just as a spec sheet checkbox. Burst shooting at 11fps mechanical is solid, though not class-leading. The real surprise is the EVF. At 3.7M dots, it's one of the best viewfinders on any APS-C body, period. You'll forget you're looking at a screen.

The obvious rival is the Fujifilm X-H2S. Fuji owns the retro mirrorless space, and the X-H2S is faster, better sealed, and has a deeper lens lineup. But it's also more expensive and arguably less charming. The Sony a7R V is a full-frame monster that destroys the Z fc in resolution and autofocus, but it's double the price and triple the seriousness. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the better video camera, no contest, but it's bigger and heavier. If you want a camera that feels like a camera and don't need pro-level video or weather sealing, the Z fc holds its own against all of them for stills.

Pricing is all over the place right now. US listings range from $1,055 to $1,247 depending on the vendor, so shop around before you commit. At the lower end of that spread, this kit is a genuinely good deal for what you get. At the top end, you're paying a premium for the retro aesthetic and the special edition lens. If you can find it near $1,055, it's an easy recommendation for the right shooter.

The Nikon Z fc is a camera that makes you want to pick it up and shoot. It nails the retro FM2 look so well that people will ask if it's a film camera, but under that classic dial-covered body is a very capable 20.9MP APS-C mirrorless camera. The kit includes the special edition NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, a tiny prime that turns into a 42mm equivalent on this body, and honestly, it's a pairing that just works for everyday shooting. The headline here is image quality and handling. Our database puts the sensor in the top tier for this class, and the EVF is one of the best we've seen on a crop-sensor body. It's not the fastest or most rugged camera out there, but for stills shooters who care about the experience as much as the output, this thing is a joy.

If you shoot in rough weather or need a camera that can handle rain, dust, and the occasional bump, this isn't it. There's no weather sealing, and the body feels more delicate than a pro workhorse. Go get a Fujifilm X-H2S or an OM System OM-1 instead. If you're a serious flash photographer, skip this until Nikon fixes the speedlight compatibility mess.

The Nikon Z fc is not the best camera on paper, but it might be the most fun. It's for people who want dials, a tactile shutter, and a camera that makes them want to go shoot. The image quality is genuinely excellent, the EVF is a standout, and the included 28mm SE lens is a perfect match. Just know what you're giving up: battery life is mediocre, there's no weather sealing, and the flash system has real compatibility headaches. If those don't matter to you, buy it and enjoy the compliments.