Great video! I mainly shoot the Z6ii, but just purchased the Zfc. I'm an old dude and the memories came flooding back when I grabbed hold of the Zfc. Thanks for your wonderful info and I'll be checking out your personal Zfc settings video.
I've been shooting with the Z50 for over a year now and I'm a large advocate for it. For the price point of the Z50 two lens kit, the feature set, weather sealing, and image quality is not touched by anything else. I was shooting a waterfall the other day and had to get real low to the river, I was in portrait orientation and was reminded how much I miss having a fully articulating screen. I've been out in rainstorms in the cascades with the Z50 and never had a problem with even the kit lenses. The lack of auto-area wide for face detect in the Z50 is frustrating, but if the face and eye is filling the frame enough, as it should be, then I haven't had a problem. The only other thing that bums me out about the Z50 is that no one is making a battery pack for it yet, which would help with balancing when I have it connected to a larger Tamron lens. The Z50 with even 3 lenses is such a compact kit. I had no problem finding space for it all in a dry sack hiking around Mt. Hood.
I have been shooting with mine for about 2 years now and with that deep grip it has as well as its portability, it is still a joy to shoot with. I usually have the 2 kit lenses in my bag and an f-mount 40mm 2.8 micro dx lens. It's nothing fancy but that is one of my favorite all around lenses to shoot with at the moment. It's sharp, has some decent bokeh wide open, and can do landscape, some street shots, as well as some close up macro shots. Most people seem to prefer the tilt screen which is better than the fixed screen of the d7000 that my z50 replaced. But in my opinon, if the z50 had a fully articulating screen, it would be nearly perfect for some of those shots at awkward angles. Cheers!
I got the Zfc, a huge upgrade from my D3200. Especially with autofocus. It also helps me get better because I need to think more about what I'm doing. It's a great camera.
I'm thinking to do the same upgrade from d3500 specially it's on sale right now. But sony autofocus is on another level so part of me tell me to go for a6400 if if it's more expensive move.
good review. I wish they's made a retro FX but .... I got your point on the playback button. On my Z6 I have fn2 set to playback so as you said, I can see the image I just look immediately in the EVF without having to use my reading glasses. Plus the EVF is a sharper - higher resolution - screen than the rear display. I rarely use the rear one as it happens.
Just used your link to purchase the Z50 two lens kit for my son and daughter-in-law. Had been thinking about this as their Christmas gift but it had been out of stock. Your link did the trick! Arrives Monday! They have old DX Nikon DSLRs that are ~10 years old, so the Z50 will be an easy transition plus with two small children and one on the way, having a real grip is mandatory! Happy Holidays!
I own TWO of them. I use the Z 50 with the 50-259 everyday. The Z fcs I use with the TP Originals with the cowhide half case which is protective, adds grip, and are beautiful . I have the Z 9 and use that with the Z 100-400 when I have the need for speed.
I'm with you Bro. I believe Nikon must be toying the idea of having FX for Zfc? I hope they do it? No need for 45 pixel. If they use the D810's sensor is good enough.
Love my Z50 along with the two initial lens that were available when it first came out. Recently I added the new Z 18-140 which I love as a one lens kit when traveling. Recently one of my granddaughters has become interested in photography and it has been easy to pop in Program mode with Auto ISO and let her shot away. With the longer 50-250, she loves chasing hummingbirds in my backyard.
Great review. I love my z50, as it's so small and easy to carry. I have been looking at the ZFc to help teach my kids the exposure triangle as it makes more sense when it's on dials, as well as using it for street photography where I like thinking about what I want and then waiting for it to happen. I am sure we will get z9 performance in a apsc to replace the d500 at some point, so I may wait a few years. The other thing I really like is the camera is so inexpensive compared to my z7, and it's relaxing to not to have to worry about my z50 when knocking around.
Right on, Hudson. The Z fc got my attention, where the Z 50 did not. Before I pulled the trigger (click?) on the Z fc, I thought the Z 50 form and features (grip, U1, U2, fn, fn2) are more alike my Z 6II. I also wanted an inexpensive way to stretch my Z 70-200mm S and 2X-TC to 600mm equivalent. Mainly I wanted it for a walk-around and travel package, so I went with the Z 50, 16-50mm, and just got the 50-250mm. I am very happy with the DX gear. With an equivalent focal length, the kit is half the weight of the Z 6II (although you sacrifice some apertures). I just bought the (Manfrotto?) National Geographic Iceland (NG IL2350) slim shoulder bag which has just enough room for the gear. The best camera is the one you have with you.
I tested the Z50 when it was new, used it for a couple of weeks in my daily work as my second camera beside my Z6. I loved the quality och it. When Nikon announced the Zfc ... I fell direkt for the look. And knowing it was as good as Z50 I did not hesitate and ordered it day one. To use as weekend camera. I did order it with the 28mm SE, because at that time they said that the SE-version would only be sold as kit lens with the Zfc ... But I do not regret it. Know I also have the 16-50, but I preferred the black one. I do not like the silver one. :)
I got this camera with the 16-50 kit lens. I absolutely love it. I want the 28mm and the 18-140mm lenses to compliment it. I'd say once I have those I'm all set. My wife has a Z6 with a bunch of fast glass that I can use if I need FX capabilities.
I've fallen so deeply in love with my FM2n, I have to get one of these for my girlfriend as a Christmas gift. she doesn't shoot film but she loves the look and feel of my camera, and I think it'll give her a deeper look into shooting in a more manual way instead of depending on automation all the time.
I agree 100% having owned the Z50 from when it was first introduced. I work in a camera store as well and enjoy playing with the ZFC but can't justify spending $1000 for a camera so similar to the Z50. FYI there is a bump grip out for the ZFC that makes it a lot more comfortable to hold, it's not as deep as the grip on the Z50 but much better than none at all. Thanks for all your videos. I have been a subscriber for quite a while now and often recommend you to a lot of my customers for help with their gear choices or your tutorials. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Hudson, Appreciate the thoughts on these. I was most interested in your take on the new 28mm prime. Have recently switched back to Nikon after many years shooting Canon DSLRs. I got myself the Z6ii, and like you say, it just wows me (as many Nikons do) with its ability to get exposure so so good, and pack in such a wide dynamic range. The camera takes such good looking files it feels like I'm cheating. Soooo, all that to say i'm considering the Z50 as a smaller, 'every day carry' sort of camera.
They (28/28SE/40F2) are every bit as good as the 1.8G lenses, but smaller, cheaper, and no FTZ. The MTF's for the 28SE are surprisingly close to the 35-S's, especially on DX. A pretty safe bet! They can be a little soft wide open with close-ups, and once in awhile you'll see some CA that goes beyond simple correction. If you need 200% pixel peeping results you're going to want an S prime. The Z50 is 2yo and due for a II update. I'm hoping we see a Z500 ish DX body as a Z70, and that would remind me of my first DSLR, the D70. I'm hoping for a major firmware update for my Z50 either way, with the several Zfc features it lacks. If you need something sooner I'd consider a lightly used copy.
@@skyrunr thanks, i appreciate the extra input. And yep i’m also hoping for that z50 update so have been holding off in case it comes along…maybe they are holding off any announcement until after the holiday buying surge.
The Z fc reminds me a LOT of my first "real camera", a Nikon FE that I bought in the fall of 1983. Now, almost 40 years later, I am shooting Sony and I really wish Sony would produce a high end APS-C with a great EVF. I have an A6000 that I use underwater, but to try to shoot birds in flight or aviation with it is impossible.
Thanks for this great video. I have been going back and forth between the Z50 and Z fc since that one came out. At first, I dismissed it but I do like the retro styling but it takes time to adjust the settings. To me, Nikon is giving a nod to Fuji and Fuji is giving a nod to the big 3 with their X-S10. In the end, they all are going to take great photos but the user experience is very important as you pointed out in this video. For now, I will stay with my Nikon DSLRs.
I love your reviews, so I just got into photography and content creating initially bought the z30 since I was coming from a phone but I ended up getting the z 50 due to view finder. If you ever get the chance it would be awesome to do a comparison! Take care man and keep making these awesome videos.
I've had a Fuji X-T1 and later an X-T30 to go along with my D800 and later D850. The Fuji's are very beautiful cameras and produce very nice images. But somehow, I didn't get along with those cameras. The ergonomic of the dials on top of the camera just isn't for me. I recently sold the X-T30 and replaced it with a Z6II to go along with my D850, which I still can't part myself with. I just love that beast. Anyway, my point is that I personally prefer the front and rear command dials. And I also bought the 28mm lens. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow and am very excited. The reviews on this lens are all great and you've just confirmed that too.
I took the new Z 28mm out for a city night shoot yesterday to see how it performs. I must say that I'm very impressed with this lens. It is very, very, very sharp and delivers beautiful images. This lens is worth more than it's price!
I think that most of the complains are nitpicking based on habits. The grip and the review buttons are in the same category for example: if you hold the camera like all the other modern cameras with one hand, then yes, it is a pain... But if you hold the camera like an old camera with 2 hands, the positioning is just fine for both the review button and the shape overall of the grip/camera. Also how many times are you looking at the images when you take a shot at something? Most of the people I know never review the images until they are done with a sequence; so at that point your hands are already off the camera and your eyes are off the viewfinder. I do miss the extra programmable modes, but I think once again that this is intentional; the camera is made to be looked at when you set up things for your session, so it is not expected you will change between too many modes. When I used the old film camera I didn't change mode; so with this camera I feel right at home, even after using for 15 years a DSLR with all the modes and nice buttons on it. The thing with this camera is as you pointed out, that it is not for everyone... It is a modified Z50 for a specific subset of people that want a retro camera with a specific look and feel and a specific workflow; and if you rate the camera in that perspective, I think they nailed it. Clearly if you rate it with an average mirrorless camera, it is different and has different design language, so clearly it will be lacking in some areas, but that is not a minus, but a plus in my opinion. Thanks for the review!
I loved my X100S back in the day. Super fun camera. All the brands are building great stuff. I think for those with a Nikon muscle memory built over the years, the Z50 will fit like an old glove and provides incredible versatility whether as your main camera or a small light travel rig. If you want the retro style, the X100 line is great for a fixed lens and the ZF-C is fabulous for the Z mount world. Both are a ton of fun and make fabulous images.
Hi!! Very informative video I must say. You gave a very clear insight of how very capable zfc is. I am a little torn between Canon R10 and Nikon Zfc, the point being the autofocus system. I watched a few videos of people doing bird photography with Nikon Zfc and they call it the Nikon lag, also it has issues in tracking birds in flight. And at the other end I saw some amazing shots of birds that you shared..that Pelican and diving bird. They were all great. It would be great if you can help me make a call...
I thought I'd seen all Zfc reviews on RU-vid, where was this review hiding all along? Amazing review! The best on Zfc and Z50 IMO. Just one query, Love that these both camera bodies have some level of weather resistance, but do any of the mentioned lenses (16-50, 50-250 and 28) have any weather resistance? I'm not planning to use them in treacherous conditions but I don't want to be afraid of little rainfall!
I am itching to get a Zfc but I am just holding back in the hope that they might bring an upgraded on with IBIS (of course that might be a while). and hopefully Nikon makes some really small pancake primes equivalent to 24, 28, 35.
I think that will Not Happen or at least not in near future the zfc Stands for itself (Retro style Camera Like DF) and dont get updated as soon as the Professional Bodys. Maybe different colors or a black Version but Not a whole new camera.
I'm thinking of trying out the new Nikon Z system. Grew up with Nikon FM, FM2, FG in the 80's in college. currently using my D300s with vintage/art and some modern 2000's Nikon AF lenses. Also shooting video with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K (BMPCC4K). Wanting a Z9, but not making money with photography or video.. so that's too much.. thinking of a Nikon ZFC in sand or mint green, (something fun colored) get into the Z series for now and not feel outdated if I get a Z6III or Z8 in a year if/when they come out. That way the ZFC will be distinct vs say the Z50. only thing I'm bummed about is the viewfinder that is round (just got the Nikon right angle viewfinder for my D300s (square)). so it wouldn't work, but hey, the LCD folds out and tilts up.. so maybe low angle pics//video of feral cats it won't matter.. might even be better.
I really have only one complaint on my Z50 - the shutter sound sounds cheap. I get great shots from it, which for some dumb reason always surprises me - I think the shutter sound gives me very low expectations so the results are under sold and over deliver. Took it to a rally in Susanville this summer and got great action shots during the motorcycle games. If they built a semi-pro version with faster auto focus and frame rates I'd be all over it. Once I got the Z6II the Z50 has received a bit less use; but the Z50 is still my walk around camera.
Yes, when you switch from a Z50 to your Z# you realize how much more intuitive the back-bottom-right playback button is! I hope the next DX Nikon body has an EN-EL15 battery, warm LED flash, fully articulating screen, ALL settings save to U1/U2/U3, EXPEED7, and more/unlimited customization of buttons. We at least need a few more Fn buttons and for Nikon to bring back the release sub-dial. If Nikon brought back the mode button they could offer an unlimited number of user modes, and you could limit/hide the ones you don't use. Sony offers 7 use modes and 4 are stored on the memory card, just don't format it in camera. LOL
I'm extremely attracted by this camera (Z fc) best of all is the "flippy" back screen, and the fact I can use my collection of Z lenses. HOWEVER it's cropped sensor is holding me back. When I switched to mirrorless and sold my DSLR stable, I kept a RED D5500 with a couple of lenses. Do you think Nikon may come out with a full frame version (a Z6iii, or a Z8?) of this camera? For now, I'll keep using my D5500 for self videos and put up with it's noisy focus motor. Thanks for your post.
If I had to bet, I'd say the retro build strle won't reach full frame. I think it's aimed at a more style and cost conscious crowd. I personally love the dx format for little street shooting cameras like the Z50 and ZFc. It makes the lenses much smaller and lighter. The 16-250 2 lens kit on my Z50 is literally jacket pocket ready. I prefer the control layout of the 50 by a large margin, but I do wish nikon would move to the fully articulated and protective screen of the ZFc.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I agree with you (going to see about buying the Z50) I hope Nikon goes for the fully articulated/protective back screens. Thanks for your reply.
I recently picked up the Zfc and am enjoying this camera. But I am having an issue applying the back button focus to the AE-L/AF-L button. I have no idea what I am doing incorrectly or what am I not doing to make it work. Can you shed some light on this?
I do bird photography with Z50/Tamron 100-400. Just ordered Zfc to have it with 16-50 for wider shots in the same backpack. I find Z50 quality of image much better that Olympus E-M1 II that I also have. But all in all I like using Nikon more.
You should really try out the amazing little 50-250 too. bhpho.to/3vs21cT I know it doesn't have the reach of the 400, but man is it a better lens than it has any right to be plus it's so small and well-priced. I loved the ZFc, but I wish it had User modes and more custom buttons. I sent it back and stuck with the Z50 for that.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I have 50-250 also, but not long enaugh for small birdes. I totally dig the zfc, it seems that they made it a bit annoying on purpose, but I sort of understand it. And I likeit :) For landscapes it will be better, because it forces you to stop and tink more. For any dynamic content the Zfc would be horrible, but for steady shooting it is good.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I also wonder how much better would the Nikkor 100-400 be comparing to my Tamron 100-400. It cost much much more polish zlotys to buy that and I wonder if it is worth it :)
It's fabulous. :) I have a RU-vid review of it comparing it with the 70-200 S. After taking both in my Joshua tree and death valley workshops this year, I've decided to sell the 70-200. I can tell I'm just not going to carry it anymore.
I've been using M4/3 cameras for a while, both Panasonic and Olympus have very effective IBIS, I love Nikon colors and think I prefer them, do these stabilized lenses suffice compared to the dual IBIS I have with my M4/3's?
5:54 splash/weather resistant, how true is this? They don't confirm/deny it on the product page and some reviews online say it has and some say it doesn't. I can't really find an answer to this
Bought the Z50 2 lens kit for the wife, she has really enjoyed it. It's light and fits her hand better than my Z6ii or D7500. Two problem areas: finding a battery and finding a L bracket. Some 3rd party batteries are finally out but still haven't found Nikon batteries. She has some strength issues benefitted by using a monopod. Three Legged Thing makes a L bracket that sort of fits the Z50, not specifically designed for it. RRS and Kirk haven't created one yet. The TLT L bracket doesn't play well with the FTZ, although suspect the FTZ II may work better. Overall, the Z50 has taken her from only using her iPhone to now enjoying taking more photos in more places. Nice and informative review, thanks.
Hi Hudson, have you compared the Z50 with the 2.20 firmware with the zfc? WIth the new firmware my Z7 feels almost as good as my Z6II. I wonder if the same will be true for the Z50 compared to the zfc when it comes to autofocus.
The Z50 AF is identical to the Z6 and Z7. The ZFc's is identical to the z6ii and z7ii. I agree the gap is small in performance. Navigating subject and area modes are simplified and the tracking is a wee bit faster. These are all in essence dot 5 updates to the originals. They just skinned the ZFc differently. For my purposes the 50 remains the better dx option. When they bring out a small dx body with the Z9's tracking... I'll be ecstatic. :)
You talk highly of the 28mm f2.8 lens. I have the 16-50mm f3.5-f6.3. Would there be a huge advantage of having both for my Z fc? Or is the 28mm just a little better?
It's sharper and great in low light. Cheap too. It's not as compositionaly versatile as the 16-50, but a lovely little prime to have on the side. Love mine. I've been using it on my new z9. :)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you, Hudson. Guess for now it's on the short list. I am enjoying the 16-50mm and have not run into any low light problems yet.
My Z fc is beginning to lose favor because it's slippery and feels clumsy like you say. Almost like it has a Teflon coating and I think I would be happier with the Z50.
Sorry, but the elephant in the room is that Nikon Z FC left out IBIS (anti shake feature). And for the price it should have been included. It is obvious to me that they left it out for two reasons: they wanted to make it cheaper and make more money; and, they didn't want it to compete with the Z6 or Z611. If Nikon and Canon keep worrying about cannibalizing their high end products, they will be swept away in this sea of endless technological change. Just ask Sony, who took away large sections of the market from both Nikon and Canon over many years.
If it had IBIS it would be a thicker body, and their design goal was to model this camera after the FM-FE body. It is selling like crazy, especially in Asia. I look forward to an APS-C Nikon Z camera with IBIS and some more high end features. The tech that is in the Z9 will trickle down through the product line. We will see more amazing cameras from Nikon in the coming years.
