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Nikon Announces Z fc, Two Z Lenses
28 June 2021
Nikon has officially announced the Nikon Z fc, a lightweight DX-format camera that combines "the latest mirrorless technology with a classic vintage design." At the same time, the company announced a matching Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 VR zoom and a compact Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8 SE prime lens.
Nikon also announced development of the Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR zoom lens, a high-power 7.8x zoom lens for APS-C format (DX-format) mirrorless cameras.
VINTAGE NIKON Z
Nikon has also unveiled a stylized version of the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR (originally introduced in October 2019) that perfectly matches the new Z fc and the Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8. Additionally, Nikon announced the development of the Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR.
Highlights
Highlights of the vintage Z fc include:
- A compact, vintage-style with analog tactile controls design
- A lightweight magnesium alloy frame with consideration for weather-proofing
- A vari-angle LCD touchscreen that flips out to face the user
- A 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor
- 4K UHD or 1080p video with options for slow motion and timelapse
- A 209-point hybrid autofocus system
- Eye-Detection autofocus for humans and animals
Specifications
Specifications for the new Z series camera include:
NIKON Z fc SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor Lens Mount Nikon Z Dust Reduction System Image Dust Off reference data
NX Studio software requiredFile Formats Raw, JPEG Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) Viewfinder 0.39-inch, 2360k-dot (XGA) OLED electronic viewfinder
1.02x magnification
-3 to +3 diopter adjustmentMonitor 3.0-inch vari-angle TFT LCD Shutter 1/4000 to 30 seconds, Bulb Frame Rate 11 frames per second ISO Auto, 100 to 51,200
Extended: 100 to 204,800Autofocus Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist Live View Yes Image Stabilization Lens shift using voice coil motors Flash No built-in, Hot shoe, TTL, i-TTL
Max. Flash Sync: 1/200 secondMovie 4K UHD 160 at 24/25/30 fps
Full HD at 120/100/60/50/20/25/24 fps
Full HD at 30 fps x4/24 fps x5
29:59 clip length
Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator optionConnectivity WiFi, Bluetooth Power One EN-EL25 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions 5.3 x 3.7 x 1.8 inches Weight 14.0 oz. Price, Availability
Available in classically-styled black and silver in July for $959.95 (body-only), $1,099.95 with Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR lens or $1,999.95 with Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8 SE lens. Several other color options will also be available.
B&H is now accepting pre-orders for:
- Nikon Z fc body only for $956.95
- Nikon Z fc with 28mm lens for $1,196.95
- Nikon Z fc with 16-50mm lens for $1,196.95
Adorama is also now accepting pre-orders at the same price:
- Nikon Z fc body only for $956.95
- Nikon Z fc with 28mm lens for $1,196.95
- Nikon Z fc with 16-50mm lens for $1,196.95
NIKKOR LENSES
Nikkor Z. 16-50mm extended, 28mm and 18-140mm in development.
The three new Nikkor Z lense announcements include:
Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR: A stylized version of Nikon's smallest lens, created with a satin silver finish to complement the Z fc, is an ultra-thin DX-format lens with a zoom range from 16mm to 50mm (24-75mm equivalent).
NIKKOR Z 16-80mm KIT LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Nikon Z Focal Length 16 to 50mm (24-75mm equivalent) Aperture Maximum: f3.5 to f6.3
Minimum: f16
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 31°30' to 83° Minimum Focus 0.66 ft. to 0.99 ft. Magnification 0.2x Optical Design 9 elements in 7 groups
1 ED elementAutofocus Yes Image Stabilization Yes Filter Thread 46mm Dimensions 2.8 x 1.3 inches Weight 4.8 oz. Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8: Nikon's first ultra-compact and lightweight Nikkor Z prime will be first released as a special edition lens for the Z fc. This is the lightest FX lens yet, with a design inspired by classic Nikkor glass to match the Z fc's unique finish. The lens offers a standard angle of view (42mm-equivalent when attached to a DX body) and excellent low-light performance. A standard edition of this lens is planned to be available within the year, along with the 40mm f2.0 compact prime that is currently in development.
NIKKOR Z 28mm LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Nikon Z Focal Length 28mm (42mm equivalent) Aperture f2.8 to f16
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View DX: 53°
FX: 75°Minimum Focus 0.63 ft. Magnification 0.2x Optical Design 9 elements in 8 groups
2 aspherical elementsAutofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 52mm Dimensions 2.9 x 1.7 inches Weight 5.7 oz. Development of Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR: A Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR, a high-power 7.8x zoom lens for APS-C format (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless cameras is scheduled for release during 2021.
Price, Availability
Available in July, B&H is now accepting pre-orders for:
- Nikkor 16-50mm zoom for $296.95
- Nikkor 28mm prime for $296.95
Adorama is also now accepting pre-orders at the same price:
- Nikkor 16-50mm zoom for $296.95
- Nikkor 28mm prime for $296.95
For more information see the news release below.
The Nikon Z fc Fuses Timeless Design With Modern Mirrorless Tech
Nikon's Newest Mirrorless Camera Complemented with an Assortment of New Compact Nikkor Z Lenses
MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Nikon has announced the Z fc, a DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic design and functionality. It's the compact and lightweight everyday companion that evokes both the urge to create and to take the time to embrace the moment. Featuring a heritage-inspired design, satisfying analog controls and craftsmanship that's both unique and functional, the Z fc is built to be a thoroughly modern camera that's simply a joy to use for everything from stunning street snaps, self-portraits, vlogging or 4K UHD video content. Nikon has also announced two stylized lenses to complement the compact nature and aesthetic of the camera, plus additional Nikkor Z lenses coming this year with a focus on small size and big performance.
"The Z fc is the kind of camera many have been waiting for and that only Nikon could create. It's exceptionally slim, yet offers superb image quality and features, with iconic styling and precise tactile controls. It's a joy to carry and use for casual street photography, streaming or just living in the here and now," said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. "It's no coincidence that we are also announcing a variety of compact lenses alongside the camera to perfectly complement the iconic aesthetic."
Fusion of Classic Design With Z Series Technology
The Z fc embraces both Nikon's heritage and our future with the powerful Z mount to create something truly beautiful; it's a distinctly designed camera that has the performance to keep pace, but also serves as a reminder to appreciate the moment.
- An Iconic Design: Inspired by the popular Nikon FM2 film SLR, the camera affords shooting with analog tactile dials with satisfying clicks for precise control. The compact and lightweight camera gives enthusiasts and casual photographers alike the option to explore their creativity and go fully automatic or manual with mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.
- Meticulously Crafted: The exterior of the camera is wrapped in a leather-tone material that offers an impeccably premium feel with a thoughtful blend of black and satin silver elements. It's a familiar design that focuses on the harmony of style and functionality, with intricate details like carved aluminum dials, engraved lettering and a circular eyepiece surrounding the bright electronic viewfinder.
- Explore New Angles: The Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD flips out to face the user and automatically adjusts for self-portraits, working on a tripod or holding at waist level for creative angles.
- High Resolution: 20.9-MP CMOS sensor is paired with the EXPEED 6 engine to provide clean, professional quality videos and stills, even in low light. From a sunny hike or twilight cityscape, users will appreciate exceptional clarity, magnificent color reproduction and minimal noise in nearly any situation.
- Focus Fast: The 209-point hybrid AF system has you covered, recognizing approximately 87 percent of the frame horizontally and 85 percent vertically for precise focusing and tracking throughout more of the frame. Rapid Eye-Detection AF for people and animals enable users to sharply capture the eyes of people and pets, even when they're moving. Eye-Detection AF is also now available in the wide-area AF mode, making it easy to select the area to prioritize focus.
- Advanced Video Features: The Z fc has convenient video features creators want, like 4K UHD video and a variety of frame rates. Focus is rapid yet smooth, with full-time AF that locks onto eyes and faces in the frame. Slow motion can easily be created with the 1080p/120p setting or the 4x/5x in-camera slow motion modes. A built-in interval timer also allows for the convenient creation of 4K timelapse movies.
- Keep Streaming: When connected via USB-C, the camera receives power, giving the ability to operate the camera continuously, which is beneficial for streaming, video production, timelapse creation and more. The Nikon Webcam Utility is available as a free download for all users of the Z fc and many other Nikon cameras.
- The Z fc is Designed Around Nikon's Revolutionary Z Mount: The widest lens mount of any comparable camera system means more light and more light means more sharpness, contrast, accurate focus, low light performance and image quality.
- Low Light Ability is at Your Fingertips: When operating the dedicated ISO dial, discover photos and videos with minimal noise, clear details and texture. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 up to 51,2001 (expandable up to 204,800), allowing for faster shutter speeds in lower light to reduce blur and reveal striking nighttime visuals.
- Creativity Made Easy: The Z fc can operate in fully automatic mode and users can use the exposure compensation dial in auto mode to quickly adjust brightness for a custom look. Users also have access to 20 picture controls to add creative or dramatic flair and emphasis to images and video.
- Always Connected with Nikon SnapBridge2: Automatically send photos and videos to your phone or tablet for sharing or use Nikon SnapBridge app as a remote control. The camera's firmware can also be updated directly from the app.
- Premium Construction: The classic design is built with a lightweight magnesium alloy frame with consideration to dust and drip resistance. The extraordinarily small and flattened profile is convenient to carry and fits easily into bags. The controls are well thought out, with most settings available at a glance, including aperture through the top display panel.
- Choose Your Style: In addition to the retro black and silver, the Z fc will be available in six additional color options to vibe with any personal style; white, coral pink, mint green, sand beige, amber brown and natural gray.
More Nikkor Z Lenses
As the family of Nikkor Z lenses rapidly expands, Nikon is releasing a variety of small, high performance FX and DX-format lenses. These lightweight lenses are easy to carry every day and pair perfectly with the new Z fc as well as other Z series cameras.
- Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR: This is a stylized version of Nikon's smallest lens, created with a satin silver finish to complement the Z fc. It's an ultra-thin DX-format lens with a convenient wide-to-standard zoom range from 16mm to 50mm (24-75mm equivalent). It serves as a great walk-around lens for a wide variety of scenes ranging from landscapes, snaps and portraits to tabletop photos.
- Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8: Nikon's first ultra-compact and lightweight Nikkor Z prime checks all the right boxes -- it's fast, fun and affordable. The Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8 will be first released as a special edition lens for the Z fc. This is the lightest FX lens yet, with a design inspired by classic Nikkor glass to match the Z fc's unique finish. The lens offers a standard angle of view (42mm-equivalent when attached to a DX body) that is ideal for shooting portraits and still photography with gorgeous, blurred backgrounds and excellent low-light performance. A standard edition of this lens is planned to be available within the year, along with the 40mm f2.0 compact prime that is currently in development.
- Development of Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR: Nikon is pleased to announce the development of the Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f3.5-6.3 VR, a high-power 7.8x zoom lens for APS-C format (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless cameras. The lens is scheduled for release during 2021. This will be a versatile lens for users looking to capture wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths as well as at short distances.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z fc will be available in classically styled black and silver starting late July in a variety of kit configurations; the body-only will be available for a suggested retail price* of $959.95 or paired with the silver Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR lens for $1,099.95 SRP. The silver Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR lens will be available separately starting in late July for $299.95 SRP.
The Nikkor Z 28mm f2.8 special edition lens will be available in a kit with the Z fc camera for $1,199.95 SRP starting in late July and sold separately starting in fall for $299.95 SRP.
The six additional color options will be available in limited supply as a kit with the silver Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR for $1,199.95 SRP and will be sold exclusively through nikonusa.com.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the new Nikkor lenses and the entire Nikon Z series, please visit nikonusa.com.[/release]