Nikon Z fc Camera Review

• Magnesium alloy frame with aluminum dials
• Feels solid overall, but some parts feel cheap
• Battery and SD card cover feels very flimsy
• Buttons are somewhat slack
• Dials feel sturdy and easy to turn
• Screen mechanism feels sturdy

• Nikon Z fc camera body
• EN-EL25 battery and cap
• Battery charger
• Eye cup
• Sensor cap
• Shoulder strap
• User manual

Note: The camera doesn't come with a USB cable in the box.

• No handgrip or thumb rest make it harder to maintain a secure hold on the camera
• Plastic sides have slight texture to imitate leather and give more grip, but overall the body is a bit slick to hold
• Really easy to adjust shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation due to dedicated dials
• Easy to adjust aperture using front command dial
• Drive mode can only be changed using the menu or 'i' button
• Dedicated video recording button but only works when in video mode, though you can customize it's function in photo mode, which is set by default to hide info on screen
• Tiny display on top of camera shows aperture
• Can't access SD card slot while mounted on a tripod

Note: Enabling this camera's magnification assistance feature causes the EVF and/or monitor to become very sluggish to the point that it hinders use.

Note: By default, this camera has a 'Self-Portrait' mode that's enabled when you flip the screen around to face forward. It automatically sets a 3s timer for photos and videos and shows fewer on-screen options. You can also change shutter speed, aperture, and ISO via the touchscreen in this mode. However, it prevents you from accessing the menu, quick menu, or playback function.

• Menu is easy to navigate using the touchscreen or physical controls
• The menu remembers the last option visited, making it easy to jump back in to whatever setting you were modifying
• Quick settings menu makes it easy to access frequently used settings
• Some functions are harder to find, but once you get familiar with the menu, it's easy to find what you need
• 'i' menu is customizable, so you can include your most frequently used settings
• Guide mode to help new users understand certain settings and features

Note: While this camera supports USB charging, it doesn't include a USB cable in the box.

Update 01/24/2022: We retested the camera's maximum shutter speed using different lenses. When paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, for example, the camera can achieve a max shutter speed of 1/4000s, but other lenses like the kit lens we initially tested the camera with may limit the max shutter speed to 1/2000s. Since this is a limitation dependent on lenses, we've amended the maximum shutter speed to 1/4000s.

Note: The mechanical shutter is only compatible with certain lenses, not including the lens we tested it with, though we confirmed the max shutter speed using the Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens.

Note: You can use this camera as a webcam by simply connecting it to your computer with a USB-C cable (not included) and using compatible software.

Note: This camera can also record video at 25 fps in 4k.

Update 01/24/2022: We rescored the 4k test scene extract to be more representative of this camera's actual performance and to be more in line with comparable cameras.

Note: In addition to the listed frame rates, this camera can also record at 100 fps, 50 fps, and 25 fps. Also, it gives you the option to record at 120 fps in either regular capture or slow-motion capture (with a 30 fps playback speed).

Update 01/24/2022: We rescored the FHD test scene extract to be more representative of this camera's actual performance and to be more in line with comparable cameras.