The Nikon Z fc is a desirably retro-fashioned yet affordable entry point into Nikon’s growing Z series mirrorless camera lineup, providing access to a growing number of lenses and accessories.

Stylish design, Growing lens lineup, Manual controls, Touchscreen

‘Only’ an APS-C sensor, Lacks the waterproofing

As always, there is the conflict of interests involved in seeing a product that “I want” as well as considering "I need", and the Nikon Z fc very definitely falls into the highly desirable category of "I want".

Beautiful retro design, Control via analogue dials, Fast and accurate AF, Very high build quality, Excellent ergonomics, Good quality video, Excellent EVF

No inbuilt VR, No weather resistance, Some controls too easily nudged

The Nikon Z fc is a triumph of design that offers a different shooting experience to the Nikon Z50 at a great price. The vari-angle screen is also an inspired choice that embodies Nikon's old-meets-new 'fusion' concept. More advanced photographers might miss the lack of weather-proofing and a larger full-frame sensor, especially considering current native lens availability. But for everyone else, the Z fc is a great mix of retro design and mirrorless shooting power.

Beautiful design; Useful vari-angle touch screen; A well-struck balance of old and new; Great value;

Needs more native lenses; Grip less suited to large lenses; No UHS-II support

It should come as no surprise that Nikon, one of the original 35mm film SLR makers, made such an enjoyable, timelessly classic camera as the Nikon Z fc

Impressive photo & video quality, Timeless design & good user experience, Solid durability, Portable & versatile, Competitive value among retro style category & price point

Adequate autofocus & speed, could be improved, Native Z-mount lens selection is still limited, but expanding, Battery life is adequate, in-camera charging is usable

The Z fc is a small, relatively light camera that looks stylish and offers the plenty of adjustable controls.

The Nikon Z fc is an APS-C mirrorless camera that successfully brings back the design of the company's film cameras. It offers plenty of hands-on controls, a vlogger-friendly fully articulating touchscreen, excellent still and video quality, and plenty of customizability. It could use refinement in a few areas, but for those looking for an eye-catching camera that can capture the moment for social media and more, the Z fc is a solid choice.

Those looking for a light, inexpensive and stylish ILC with direct controls and vlogging-friendly features.;

Those who prefer a more substantial-feeling body, best-in-class autofocus or a wider selection of native lenses.;

The Nikon Z fc is an APS-C mirrorless camera that successfully brings back the design of the company's film cameras. It offers plenty of hands-on controls, a vlogger-friendly fully articulating touchscreen, excellent still and video quality, and plenty of customizability.

Those looking for a light, inexpensive and stylish ILC with direct controls and vlogging-friendly features.

Those who prefer a more substantial-feeling body, best-in-class autofocus or a wider selection of native lenses.

The Z fc isn’t a cutting-edge camera – you’ll find more advanced features and better performance on similarly priced cameras from Fujifilm, Panasonic and Sony – but it doesn’t disgrace itself at all on the image quality front. At the same time, its retro styling gives it a personality and appeal that far outstrip that of the Z50 with which it shares so much, and the various vlogger-focussed touches show that, despite the old-school looks, this is a camera designed for today’s multi-disciplined users.

Striking old-school looks; Great autofocus performance; Useful flippy screen;

No in-body image stabilisation; Not many retro-style Nikkor lenses (yet); No headphone input;

Gorgeous FE-inspired retro styling; Lightweight build; Fast, accurate AF; Vlogger friendly features;

No in-body stabilisation; No headphone input;

Striking old-school looks; Great autofocus performance; Useful flippy screen;

No in-body image stabilisation; Not many retro-style Nikkor lenses (yet); No headphone input;