Why the Nikon ZFc Is an APS-C Sensor Camera. Is Full Frame Coming?
For more stories like this, please subscribe to The Phoblographer. I believe the Nikon ZFc will be looked at in multiple ways. First, this is a brave step for Nikon. The Nikon ZFc is smaller and lighter than the FM2 while it includes weather resistance. Of course, its also a nod to the Nikon Df. And to do that, they needed to use an APS-C sensor. In fact, its the same sensor as the Z50. On the other hand, its hard to not feel like Nikon continues to shoot themselves in the foot. I, like many of you, wanted a full-frame Nikon ZF camera. I honestly think that its still coming. And if thats the case, Nikon shouldve put their best foot forward and launched that first. However, there are some pretty cool things about the Nikon ZFc. Nikon ZfC Specs  Nikon Zfc  APS-C 20.9 Megapixel CMOS Sensor  Expeed 6  Designed to be like the DF  Tactile Dials are made of aluminum. They tried to emphasize the compact size  Smaller, slimmer, and lighter than the Z50  Same battery  ISO 100  51,200  Eye AF is in this for video and stills  20 creative profiles  4K no crop video  Single SD card slot  Full-time Eye AFD  USB power  Timelapse in 4k up to 8 hours  3 Inch Vari-angle touch screen  Weather resistance  Magnesium alloy  Lighter than an fm2  No IBIS  390 grams  There will be seven colors, and the US will carry all of them. The colors will be sold through the Nikon USA website  Coming to stores at the end of July with except for the 28mm will be in the fall in the USA alone. Other countries might differ. Why the Nikon ZFc Is APS-C, and Why There Has to Be a Full Frame Version  The Nikon ZFc was made with an APS-C sensor so that they could make accommodations. First off, this is a super small camera, from my understanding. And its using the Z mount, which is pretty large. For them to make it as small as possible, it seems like this is why they went for an APS-C sensor. At least, during our briefing with Nikon, thats the message they seemed to convey. Personally speaking, I think thats a bit of hogwash: Nikon couldve found a way to do it. However, Im actually excited for the Nikon ZFc. It doesnt seem like a straight Fujifilm XT4 clone in any way. The ZFc is much more affordable. But, it doesnt boast image stabilization. Plus, you cant apply the creative profiles to the RAW files in Capture One (still a major bummer). Lots of cool, fashionable colors. Im very excited about this. I love the idea of owning a brown leatherette camera. Or a green one! Or a Pinkish one! I know folks whod fawn over the white one too! You can use Nikons good Z mount lenses. And hopefully, if Nikon makes the Nikon Zf, theyll be able to use them. Nikon has pretty solid weather sealing, but Im not sure about the new 28mm f2.8 as it wont have a rubber ring on the back of the lens. But this lens is being pushed as a kit option, and its a full-frame lens. If this has the Z50s sensor, then it will have the best high ISO output of any APS-C sensor camera weve tested. I still dont know yet. Im hoping the autofocus is excellent and that there is at least a full-frame option coming before the holidays of 2021. If so, then it will be the only full-frame camera with retro aesthetics on the market besides Leica M cameras. And quite honestly, thats what we need more than anything. I talked this over with some of the staff. Hillary and Feroz both shoot Nikon. This feels like typical Nikon playing catch up. Their products are good, but theres no major reason to buy them over their competitors. I just hope the ZFc is a different beast. And I also hope Nikon gives us a full-frame version very soon. Nikon ZFc Sample Images  All of these images were provided by Nikon.