Nikon Z fc

The Z fc is a compact APS-C mirrorless camera that Nikon released in 2021. It measures 135 x 94 x 44 mm and weighs 445 g, so it slips into a small bag and carries easily.

Its 21 megapixel sensor, Nikon Z mount and electronic viewfinder suit everyday photography such as street walks, travel and family pictures. The tilting touchscreen helps at awkward angles, and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth are built in. Stills are the main focus, though 4K video is available when you want it.

The 21 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is paired with the Expeed 6 processor, providing resolution for prints and room to crop. The ISO range runs from 100 to 51200, so sensitivity can climb as the light drops.

Burst shooting tops out at 11 frames per second, quick enough for fleeting expressions and light action. Autofocus offers 209 points to place on a subject. The 1/4000 s maximum shutter speed is the main constraint: it restricts wide apertures in strong daylight, where a neutral density filter helps.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so shutter speed or a stabilised lens has to control camera shake. That matters most indoors and at longer focal lengths.

Composition goes through a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder that gives an eye-level live view of the scene before each shot.

The Z fc records 4K video, which delivers detailed footage for sharing online and leaves room to crop or reframe during editing. Files are written as MPEG-4 or MOV, two formats that common editing tools open directly.

Frame rates reach 120 fps, so brief movement can be replayed in slow motion. This suits action moments, water and short creative inserts where stretched timing adds drama.

A built-in timelapse mode automates interval shooting, so you can capture a sequence without an external intervalometer or remote.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so handheld footage depends on technique, a stabilised lens or a steady support such as a tripod to reduce camera shake.

A 3-inch touchscreen with 1.04 million dots provides live view with touch input. It flips on a hinge, giving you more freedom to frame from angles that are awkward at eye level during everyday shooting.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both fitted, so the camera has wireless connectivity available.

There is no built-in flash, but the camera takes an external one, so adding light for portraits, interiors or dim evening scenes stays possible.

No weather sealing and no GPS are fitted. Keep the body covered in rain or dust, and plan to add location information some other way if you need it.

Storage goes through a single SD slot that accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards at UHS-I speed. With one slot there is no in-camera duplicate of your files, so pack a spare card for shoots you cannot repeat.

The EN-EL25 battery is rated at 260 shots per charge. Treat that as a benchmark rather than a promise, since heavy screen use can drain it faster.

USB charging lets you refill the battery between shoots, which is convenient when you travel light. Carry a spare battery for extended outings so the rating never becomes the limit on a full day away.