I’m a Fujifilm fanboy, but this new Nikon looks quite nice.
Maybe you can relate: I’m a sucker for retro-inspired cameras, and the Nikon Zfc had me drooling the day that it was announced. I love Fujifilm, yet I have nothing against Nikon—I used to shoot with Nikon DSLRs, and a few of my favorite photographs were captured on Nikon cameras. I figured that if I’m interested in the Zfc, maybe some of you are, too, so I purchased one to try. At the very least I could compare it to Fujifilm X-Trans cameras, and explain the similarities and differences.
At first glance the Zfc looks like it’s in the same class as the Fujifilm X-T30. There are certainly some similarities between the two models. The Zfc has a rear screen and knob arrangement that’s more like the X-T4, so I thought it could, perhaps, even fall in-between those two models somewhere, and serve as an upper-mid-tier APS-C mirrorless camera. It’s hard to tell from looking at pictures, but that’s what I was expecting.
When I pulled the Zfc out of the box, a few things surprised me. First, the camera is bigger than I expected. It’s much larger and noticeably heavier than the Fujifilm X-E4 that I frequently shoot with. It’s a little larger and slightly heavier than my X-T30. It’s almost as big as an X-T4, although much lighter. The Fujifilm camera in my collection that’s most similar in size and weight to the Zfc is the Fujifilm X-T1.
The Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 lens (that came with the camera) is massive, too. I thought, perhaps, there’d be some similarities between the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 lens and the Nikkor glass, but other than maximum aperture and similar focal-length, these two lenses are much different. The Fujifilm lens is smaller, lighter, sharper, and superior in pretty much every way. That’s not to say that the Nikkor lens is bad, but it’s definitely not as good as the Fujinon, which happens to be my favorite lens. Nikon didn’t include an aperture ring on the 28mm f/2.8 (or any other Z glass), which I think is a big oversight.
Another surprise is how plasticky the Zfc feels. It doesn’t look plasticky, and its weight suggests that it’s not all that plasticky, but it definitely feels plasticky when you use it. I wouldn’t trust this camera to survive a hard fall. It doesn’t appear to be a cheap camera (and its price tag would confirm this), but when you use it, the feeling is that it’s a budget body, and not mid-range.
After considering where it best compares to Fujifilm models, the one I think the Zfc is most comparable to is the X-T200. If Fujifilm had put markings on the customizable unmarked knobs, the two cameras would be very similar (aside from size and weight). For those who don’t know, the X-T200 was Fujifilm’s budget option, with a price of $700 for the body or $800 bundled with a kit zoom. The X-T200 didn’t last long (both introduced and discontinued in 2020) because it didn’t sell well. Perhaps the Zfc sits a little above the X-T200, but in my opinion that’s the most similar Fujifilm model.
One last surprise is that the shutter and ISO knobs are more for looks than practical use. You see, there’s a PASM switch, and only when you are in the correct PASM position do the knobs actually do anything. If this camera had been designed correctly, PASM would be completely unnecessary, and the knobs would always do something if you turned them. It’s a much different user experience than what most Fujifilm cameras deliver, and maybe more confusing.
I understand that those who don’t have a background in classic film cameras and have only used PASM might be intimidated when trying Fujifilm X cameras for the first time. I think that’s one reason why the X-T200 and X-S10 cameras were designed the way they were: intended to be less intimidating to the uninitiated. So perhaps Nikon had that in mind with the Zfc, but this was certainly an opportunity to break the mold and offer a different experience to their users, and they just couldn’t do it—it really is a missed opportunity.
Fujifilm is known for their Film Simulations and JPEG output. I’ve published over 200 Film Simulation Recipes to achieve various looks straight-out-of-camera. I even made an App (available for both Android and Apple) for these JPEG recipes. Fujifilm used their vast experience with film to create profiles that are modeled after film. For many Fujifilm photographers, Film Simulations (and recipes) are an intrinsic element of the user experience and picture aesthetic. For Nikon, their lesser-known equivalent is called Picture Control, with a subset called Creative Picture Control. While Fujifilm’s Film Simulations are inspired by film, Nikon’s Picture Controls are inspired by feelings and mood. It’s a much different take, and not necessarily better or worse—simply a divergent approach that’s worth noting. Fujifilm infuses an analog soul into their digital images, while Nikon infuses emotions that may or may not be analog-esque into their images.
Those who are regular readers of the Fuji X Weekly blog already know this, but for those who don’t, I’m a JPEG shooter. Many years ago I was a RAW guy, but Fujifilm cameras changed that for me. Shooting JPEG saves me time while making the process more enjoyable, as I get the look I want straight-out-of-camera without the need to edit. That’s my perspective.
It’s clear to me that, over the last decade, Fujifilm has invested more R&D dollars and time into their JPEG output than Nikon has. The Zfc is a new camera, but the JPEG quality is closer to X-Trans I—which is 10-years-old now—than X-Trans IV, which is very soon to be replaced by X-Trans V. When viewing on social media or the internet, you can’t tell, but when pixel-peeping, the Fujifilm X-E4 (for example) produces sharper, more detailed images, with more pleasing noise and fewer banding and artifact issues than the Zfc. It’s not a night-and-day difference (and I’m not suggesting that the JPEGs from the Zfc are bad), but it’s definitely noticeable when viewed closely, and I personally prefer the pictures produced by the X-E4; however, it only really matters if you are pixel-peeping, cropping deeply, or printing posters, and otherwise doesn’t matter.
If you want the full Fujifilm photography experience, there’s no substitute for Fujifilm. The Nikon Zfc looks like it could deliver a similar experience, but it falls short in multiple ways. I would suggest the Fujifilm X-T30 II or X-E4 instead, which are similarly priced (cheaper actually), and are better cameras, in my opinion. The Fujifilm X-T3 WW is another solid option with a similar price point (slightly more expensive). With that said, the Zfc is still a very beautiful camera that’s fun to use and produces quality pictures.
If you already own a Nikon Z camera and lenses but like retro-styling, the Zfc is for you. An advantage of Nikon Z is that Z lenses are compatible with their full-frame mirrorless line. So perhaps you start with the Zfc and 28mm lens, but then you later add a couple lenses to your collection, and even later buy a Z7 II. Or maybe it’s the other way around: your Z7 II is big and heavy, so you add a Zfc for travel and walk-around photography, and the lenses you already own are compatible. This is why you buy a Nikon Zfc, I think.
Obviously, they’re hoping that the Zfc will convince those from other brands to try Nikon. My first thought is that those “moving up” from Micro-4/3 will be tempted by this model, although I’m not sure that this camera is convincing enough. Those dissatisfied by Sony, Canon, and Pentax might consider this model, if based on nothing more than looks, which is most likely what it would be based on because the Zfc lacks innovation that would attract photographers from other brands.
I don’t think the Zfc will snag very many from Fujifilm. Maybe if you’ve never liked the lack of PASM—maybe. But other than good-looks, which your Fujifilm camera already offers, the Zfc doesn’t give you a good reason to switch brands. I can tell you with certainty that I won’t be switching brands anytime soon.
If you like your cameras to have retro-styling, the Nikon Zfc is one of your options. It’s a good camera that’s fun to use, but it’s not as good or as fun as a Fujifilm X-Trans model, like the X-T30 II or X-E4, which are slightly less expensive. My recommendation is to buy the Nikon Zfc only if you are already invested into the Z system, or if you are planning to get into that system for the long-term. Otherwise, there are better options, and if you are looking for those better options, let me point you towards Fujifilm.
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Nikon Zfc Amazon B&H
Nikon Zfc + 28mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Nikon Zfc + 16-50mm Amazon B&H
Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Black Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Silver Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Black + 27mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-E4 Silver + 27mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T30 II Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T30 II + 15-45mm B&H
Fujifilm X-T30 II + 18-55mm B&H
Fujifilm X-T3 WW Amazon B&H
Example photographs, captured with Nikon Zfc and Fujifilm X-E4:
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How does the viewfinder compare?, I would guess better than the X-E4 but not as good as the X-T4.
The same (2.36 million dots). I don’t find either to be lacking, personally.
I say it respectfully, but I think there is also a big difference in philosophy. Apparently Nikon makes their cameras hoping their users will upgrade from aps-c to full frame, where their iconic lenses have all the R&D to be competitive. Instead Fujifilm is focused into aps-c. If I’d want a retro Nikon I think I still would prefer a Nikon DF.
Said that very happy that you have a Nikon Zfc, it is always marvelous what you do with these cameras : )
I think that a DF II would have made more sense and would have been a better use of the R&D resources. I appreciate your input!
Man, that Nikon 28mm is nothing to write home about. And no handgrip on the Zfc; shame on you, Nikon! I switched from Nikon to Fuji about 5 years ago and haven’t looked back; Fuji made me enjoy photography again in a way that had been gone for quite some time. The Zfc looks very nice, but Nikon should have had the courage to leave out the PASM control and revert to old-school shooting instead of just an old-school design with a “hybrid” (i.e. “we can’t choose” :)) shooting experience. But maybe they just did not want to copy Fuji too much. Anyway, nice review; concise and to the point. Thanks!
The lack of grip doesn’t bother me on (say) the X-E4 because the camera is small and lightweight enough that it’s not really necessary, but on the Zfc it does bother me a little because of the size and weight. Thanks for the comment!
Why a hand grip? So lame
It’s a fairly hefty camera to not have a grip. Generally a lack of hand grip wouldn’t bother me, but it kind of does on this one, especially after much use.
The X-T200 may have been discontinued in the US, but it’s very much still available in other markets.
Very interesting. It’s too bad that it wasn’t available here longer. Thanks for sharing!
Fuji already locked the APS-C market down. If you are not serious enough, you can’t shake Fuji. Even Sony can only compete with Fuji in the APS-C market because of their AF supremacy, third-party lens support, and (argueably) better video specs on their high-end model (AF, unlimited recording, etc).
And if you are looking for a “stylish” camera, then Fujifilm is your only option.
The Zfc is stylish, but disappointing otherwise. Sony is not stylish, but definitely not disappointing otherwise. Fujifilm has both form and function, and really the only option as such. Thanks for the comment!
Fuji still generally over saturates in the details, but hey, people seem to like this fake look
I guess you don’t like my “fake look” pictures???
Thanks for doing this. I have 50 years of Nikon shooting, and when the new DSLR was announced I had a flashback to the ’80s and my FE2 and FM2 bodies, plus that cosmetic chrome ring reminded me of those classic Nikkors from that time.
Having gone “full-Fuji” and accumulating lots of glass, it seems stupid to get the Nikon, but nostalgia can be strong at my age.
This article has saved me some money. I remain “full-Fuji”.
I’m happy to be helpful in this way! I’m honored that my G.A.S. and strong nostalgia was able to help you with yours. 🙂
A really interesting comparison. Although I’m 100% Fuji now, I do have a soft spot for the Nikon cameras having owned several of them including my favourite, the D700. I’ve seen the Zfc and it looks like a very nice camera. I’ve never used one though, so it’s useful to know I’m not really missing out on anything.
Nothing at all against Nikon, but for sure you’re not missing out. I feel like Nikon got 85% there, but just couldn’t get themselves the last 15%, which is too bad. Great looking camera, but Fujifilm provides a better experience and IQ in an equally beautiful body.
Thanks for this comparison, as this camera has been on my radar.
I’d love to see a Fuji recipe mimicking the ‘Dream’ setting on the Nikon. The low contrast and soft colors looks great.
Nikon’s approach with these are interesting to me. I never thought of basing JPEG recipes off of feeling and mood. So I do find them fascinating. Melancholic and Pure are very nice, too.
Congrats Ritchie, cool purchase. Z fc is an excellent camera, with pretty good AF and face/eye and even pet detect. Here’s a hidden feature – you can use front dial to rapidly switch between faces while reviewing a clicked image in magnified view.
Love the Sunday and Pure picture control pics here. Try out Denim too👖. Each of these can be toned down using a slider. You can also download Picture Controls Editor 2 and tweak the basic 6 picture profiles using curves.
Nikonpc(.)com has many ready made profiles that you can load into Picture Controls Editor 2(which is instantly recognised in NXStudio). You can tweak them further if you like and export it to your card.
Here are a few cool ones that you must try out:
1. Agfa Optima
2. Fuji SReala Skin
3. Kodak Gold 100
4. PORTD2XM1 c,h,s,v
5. SHING Nostalgia, Tokugawa Tone
6. ThomMore
7. N Rose Curve
I have a “recipe” for using SHING picture controls. Tone it with Sepia, apply a green or orange filter, and apply toning saturation at 0.5 to 1. Save in NPCE2, export to card and load into camera. Gives a very nostalgic, slightly aged look to photos, especially when printed.(hint, switch on Reflect changes for instant preview in NPCE2)
I’ve also developed a V Rose High Color picture control which is pretty cool. I can share if you like.
Best of luck for exploring this cool new camera. 👍
The Nikonpc.com project is very interesting. Whoever put that together did a great thing for that community. I won’t be using it (for the same reasons why I don’t use X RAW Studio) because it takes some extra steps and requires a computer. I much prefer to do things “in-camera” and not need a computer for my photography. That’s obviously just my personal preference, and everyone is different, and what works for one might not be right for another. So it’s a great resource for Nikon JPEG photographers, but the extra steps that it adds, and the requirement to connect with a computer (the SD Card, anyway) to load the profiles, is just a step that I don’t want to take. In other words, it’s just not for me. I feel kind of similarly about the camera, too: it’s just not for me, although everyone is different, and I can see it being a very nice tool for others.
Thank you for sharing!
That’s all right. Everyone is different. Though I think your concerns about Z fc workflow appear misplaced. All the stuff about tone, saturation etc mentioned above are in camera JPEG options. In fact, except for film grain, nearly all JPEG options in Fuji and Nikon are similar, down to B/W toning. Z fc also has HDR and Active D lighting, which works like DR priority in Fuji. Just that Fuji uses slightly fancier terms like Color, Color chrome etc while Nikon sticks to standard Hue, Contrast, Saturation , WB shift to achieve nearly there same result. Z fc also gives an orange B/W filter.
I don’t think transferring a file from a PC to a card is that huge a deal. The camera automatically recognises the file. I mean, you do transfer photos regularly to a PC. This would be the equivalent of complaining about using a USB stick. If one has to set out in morning with X-E4 with 7 custom presets, even with help of your well designed app, it takes half an hour. Thirty minutes everyday for any new set. With Nikon it is – keep hundred files in a folder. When you have to go out, copy some of them to card, load into camera, and bingo, in five minutes you are good to go. In fact, you can store all hundred profiles on your card and load on the fly while outside. No need of any app and tedious setting changes. That is, I must say, much more convenient and superior method. Nikon is a serious company. They usually get stuff right in one iteration what takes others ten.
I think you are being too rigid, even taking affront and suggesting another user to get a good deal by selling Fuji gear, with a tongue in cheek quip to get a DSLR. I mean, if Fuji does not even give a reset option for base Q settings, that is indeed a problematic software design. I honestly think Z fc is a cool device and you can give it an afternoon’s worth of time to explore the full workflow, which might give deeper insight into Nikon’s design logic.
My workflow doesn’t use a computer at all (hallelujah!). I transfer to my phone and then cloud. So the computer adds an extra step for me. I’m sure it’s great for many, but it’s outside of what I do daily. I don’t use X RAW Studio for the same reason (which surprises a lot of people).
The Zfc is a fun camera and definitely beautiful. I probably won’t keep it, though. But it has been inspiring to me, so I’m grateful for that.
The “other user” is a troll. You can easily reset the Q settings on every Fujifilm camera, and it’s pretty simple (but a little different depending on the model).
Thank you for your kind words about the app, it’s much appreciated!
Oh, thanks Ritchie. I didn’t know you were so minimal in your workflow. That’s great and inspiring. I didn’t mean any harsh feelings through my words, just a kind suggestion. Glad and grateful for the excellent work you’ve done for Fuji community via your invaluable app. Take care!
So, I got a story….
I used to spend a ton of time on a computer editing and such. I didn’t realize how much this was affecting things in my life until I suddenly stopped, thanks to Fujifilm and film simulation recipes. By removing the computer from my workflow, and relying on SOOC JPEGs, my photography became noticeably more productive while my home-life improved a bunch. It was like a miracle! Anyway, as Fuji X Weekly has grown, and my time and attention get pulled in every direction, I just can’t add a computer back into my workflow right now.
Something that I learned recently is that this idea of not needing a computer has greatly impacted photography in parts of the world where personal computers aren’t prevalent. There are many people internationally that don’t have access to a computer, or having access is a recent thing, and it’s highly intimidating. Whatever the case is, not having to have a computer in the workflow (because of Fujifilm recipes) has literally opened up photography to them. It’s really amazing, and I’m honored to have had this kind of impact on photography, which was completely unexpected.
I appreciate your comments and input! No harsh feelings whatsoever. Thank you for your kindness!
I must say, I moved from Nikon DSLR to Fuji about a year ago.
With great expectations come great disappointment I guess.
Fuji is in my opinion the most overrated camera ever made!
Handling isn’t even close to Nikon and out of camera jpegs are a hoax and no more then showroom gimmicks.
Till this day I still haven’t figured how to setup a film simulation mode and then switch back to default.
Tracking isn’t even close to Nikon 3d matrix of a decade ago. Even if there was no eye detect at the time.
And worse of all the exposure preview only works in manual mode!
I shoot semiauto… So I am stuck with an evf that shows the wrong exposure.
10 stop underexposure or 1/3 stop the evf seems the same… Lights are on baby.
Please prove me wrong on this account. It will only make me happy. Many tried.
Have many more complaints but most are small niggles.
Lenses are great though.
It’s not my job to prove you wrong. Especially after insulting me (“JPEGs are a hoax and no more than showroom gimmicks” … so my photography is a hoax and a gimmick?).
It seems that most of your issues are solved fairly easily by reading the user manual. I’ve also covered a many of them with my SOOC series on YouTube. So if you want to solve these issues, you have the power to do so, and it shouldn’t take you more than a few hours tops. I’d love to help, but it really sounds like you need to help yourself at this time. And trust me, you’ll understand your gear a lot better this way than if I held your hand. Otherwise, I’m sure KEH would be happy to buy your Fuji gear and sell you some Nikon DSLRs, and then you’d have nothing more to gripe about.
My remarks were regarding Fuji not your photos.
I was talking about the default jpeg settings which are a gimmick.
Any personal setup may fit your needs and give great results.
About learning how to use the camera…
I did so.
It has way to many limitations as I mentioned.
Setting up jpegs is the least of them.
The other 2 I mentioned, tracking and exposure preview cannot be fixed as they are missing or work as they do.
I can only say regarding the exposure preview it works great on my Panasonic lx100 ii. And therefore is my goto camera for street photography.
And last, your attitude, with the exception of you misunderstanding me regarding jpegs, for which I apologize, is typical for all Fuji owners.
Sometimes I get the feelings you bought company stocks with the camera.
Don’t take criticism regarding stuff you buy personally.
You may, simply, disagree.
I am waiting for the day an adapter for Fuji to Nikon will be made and the zfc will happily become mine with the great Fuji optics.
A winning combo I should think.
There are literally tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of people happily using their Fujifilm gear without any of the issues you mention, including myself. I’m telling you: it’s user error, and the fixes are pretty easy if you were to actually look for them. I pointed you to a resource where you could find many of the answers if you want to. If you don’t want to, that’s on you. Exposure Preview, for example, is super simple to fix, and is a result of how you set up your camera, and is an issue that you and perhaps 100 other people across the world are having trouble with at the moment. It’s not the camera’s fault, it’s yours, and you could fix it if you want to. I don’t know what model camera you have, but if it’s a recent model, the only issues with AF tracking come down to how you have it set up, because the camera is capable. If it’s not working right, it’s because of the configurations programmed, which can be adjusted to fit your needs, but only if you go in and adjust them. The solutions are easy to find (Google and YouTube are your friends here) if you want to find them.
It was clear to me from the beginning of your first comment that you weren’t interested in solutions, only in complaining and attacking (troll behavior, which isn’t welcome on this website). You can either put in the small effort it would take to find your solutions, and then be happy, or you can move on, and be happy, or just be a miserable web-troll, but not on this website.
There’s already a Fuji-X to Nikon-Z adapter available for $30, so what’s stopping you?
“Till this day I still haven’t figured how to setup a film simulation mode and then switch back to default.”
This is not the fault of the camera. I have 6 Fuji cameras and have every one set up identically in the menu so that I can hit the Q button and scroll thru my film simulations depending on the situation and subject. It took me 5 minutes per camera to put in the variables (shadow, highlight, color, etc…) and I even named the sims (gen daylight, high contrast color, bright B&W, etc…) which shows up on the top line in the Q menu. This is a basic input and not a fault of the brand. I came from 50 years of Nikon shooting and I could not be without that Q menu after setting everything up.
To be clear, I don’t use a single film simulation as they arrive in the box. You have so many variables that you can alter to taste. It took me many outings to get my “look”, but once I did, again, it took 5 minutes per camera to install the simulation settings into the menu.
“And worse of all the exposure preview only works in manual mode!”
I don’t know where you got this. I shoot 99% of my images in aperture priority and the image displays my exposure and any exposure compensation input very accurately. With my Nikon DSLR, I would compensate the exposure for tricky lighting and then have to chimp to see if I got it right. Often, I’d bracket several frame to ensure that I got a good exposure. With mirrorless in general and Fujifilm specifically, the WYSIWYG concept is real. I never bracket and adjusting the exposure compensation dial (if needed) I get it right in one frame, and I’m talking jpegs.
If Fujifilm is not doing it for you, it is not the brand’s fault. My Nikons are collecting dust since I got my X-T2 four years ago.
Well said! It’s because he’s a troll is why he wrote all of that.
“I shoot 99% of my images in aperture priority and the image displays my exposure and any exposure”
I would love to know your setup for this.
If you can get over insulting my knowledge that is.
Or do you mean the image displays the exposure value. Because it does. It even turns red for over/under exposure. But the EVF itself remains illuminated exactly the same.
The local dealer here simply told me that this is how it works regarding the exposure preview. And many other Fuji users tried to prove me wrong.
The setup in the menu is also called “Preview exp/wb in MANUAL mode”.
So please enlighten me. We can both gain from this.
I don’t know what camera you have, I’ll use my X-T3 as example.
In the menu, with the “wrench” icon, and under the sub set for screen set up, go to: preview Exp./WB in Manual Mode…
You may be having a problem based on the limitation of space. One thing is exposure, then a /, and the other thing is WB in Manual Mode.
Exposure stands alone and is not dependent on mode.
White Balance only displays as preview in manual mode because in auto White Balance it is always displayed as it adjusts for the light. Manual means those icons, sun, clouds, shadow, florescent, etc… so the preview will show if the effect of your dialed in WB is right in the finder or LCD.
Turn this function to on and you can indeed see the effects of exposure compensation in the finder…AND if your white balance is in manual mode, you’ll see the color cast as it is in the light you are shooting in.
Thanks for trying to help. But sorry, doesn’t work for me.
The setup is like yours.
Don’t know what you mean in this phrase
“You may be having a problem based on the limitation of space. One thing is exposure, then a /, and the other thing is WB in Manual Mode.”
What limitation of space? I have an xt3 as well.
What what do you mean by this “a/ “.
WB has nothing to do with anything I mentioned. I normally use auto WB. Have no issue with that.
Like I said even thw local dealer here told me it doesn’t work any anything but full manual.
The limitation is a function of the amount of space on the menu line. Maybe it would have been better to put the exposure on one line and then another entry for WB. Putting them on the same line jams them up and you assumed “manual mode” was for exposure, but it only applies to the WB.
Turn this setting on and you can see the effects of turning your exposure compensation dial… go plus, the display gets brighter. Go minus and it gets darker. This absolutely works on all my cameras in aperture priority mode.
Hi Albert,
Don’t know why but your reply below does not have a “comment” option so I am replying here.
We are talking about 2 different things that are related but are not the same.
Exposure compensation will change the EVF. That has almost nothing to do with exposure preview.
Forget exposure compensation for now and try the following, While your aperture is set to auto go out at night and turn the shutter dial to 8000.
Obviously you should get a completely black picture for lack of expksure.
Your EVF howeverwill still show you “daylight”. Your only indication to under exposure will be the aperture value shwon in red.
Hipe I the example makes things clear.
The camera’s behavior is because you’re asking it to do something that it cannot. In the scenario you describe, you control the shutter, ISO, and exposure compensation, while the camera controls only the aperture. With the shutter, ISO and Exposure Comp you set, the camera cannot capture a picture within those parameters with the apertures available. So if you change a parameter or two, for example Shutter to 1/4, and Exposure Comp to -3, the camera might be able to find an aperture that is compatible with that.
What you find to be a defect in the camera is actually a warning to you that you need to make adjustments to your settings, the things that you control, for the camera to do the job that you are asking it to do.
Hi Ritchie,
I am a big fan of yours from the very beginning of the fujixweekly site.
I am shooting for many many years with Nikon digital cameras (I shoot Nikon Df and Zfc), but also with Fujifilm X cameras (X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3), X100V, X-T2 and X-T3.
I don’t agree that Nikon has only the “mood” simulations. Did you try the “Nikon Picture Control Editor”- Nikonpc.com?
I have currently in my Nikon memory banks the Fuji Velvia film simulation, Kodak GOld 100, Kodachrome 2, Neopan, and Portra.
I also sent you an email few months ago if you wouldn’t be keen on reviewing some of the Nikon film sims. Unfortunately I haven’t got an answer, Maybe this is a good moment to ask again ?
Thanks
Marek from Poland
I didn’t mean that mood/feeling-inspired simulations were “bad” because I’ve been inspired by them, and hope to incorporate some aspect of that into Fuji X Weekly. It’s an intriguing take.
I have seen Nikonpc.com, and it’s a great project that someone put together. A wonderful resource for Nikon photographers. The reason why I personally won’t be using it is that it requires a computer. That might seem strange, but it is the same reason why I don’t use X RAW Studio. So using these presets would add a step to my workflow that I just don’t have the time currently to incorporate. But I appreciate the suggestion!
I’m sorry that I missed your email. Sometimes the SPAM detection grabs some, and sometimes they just get overlooked. I receive about 50-70 emails and DMs each day (!!), and I try to answer them all. I apologize for missing yours, it was definitely unintentional.
Thank you for the input and your kind words!
guardando i ritagli delle foto mi sembra più rumorosa la fuji xe4 rispetto alla nikon zfc
Lo Z-fc è più rumoroso, con un rumore più brutto, una maggiore riduzione del rumore nella fotocamera (che ammorbidisce l’immagine) ed è notevolmente peggiore a ISO 6400 rispetto all’X-E4. Per me questa è una differenza abbastanza ovvia, ma comunque, per la maggior parte delle persone e delle circostanze, non sarà una differenza significativa. Inoltre, non trovo che lo Z-fc abbia una gamma dinamica più ampia, in particolare nelle ombre, dove Fujifilm sembra fare meglio, ma in entrambi i casi non è una differenza significativa, ed entrambi sono simili in questo senso.
I’ve shot Nikon all my life, starting with FE and ending with the Df. The Df was a great camera but it had a lot of shortcomings – mostly when you use them with vintage MF Nikon glass, which is somewhat hard to nail focus. I then switched to the X100F (which I loved) and then to Leica M10. The M10 was great, but I was constantly worried when shooting street with $10K worth of gear. When Nikon announced the Z fc, I thought this was awesome so I ordered one. I’ve always been excited with every new Nikon body, but this body was such a disappointment from the get go. The build quality is abysmal with too much creaky plastic. Mine even had bubbles inside the rubber/leather. My X100F was miles ahead of it, let alone the Leica. I packed it and returned it the next day. I think I’m going to get an X100V since I really enjoyed my experience with the X100F. Fuji’s film simulations for JPG are gorgeous! This is something that Nikon could not get right. Leica also has no such thing. It has an amazing build and usage enjoyment factor, but it doesn’t justify the amount. I can get am X100V for much cheaper and have the same fun.
I feel like this was a major opportunity for Nikon, but ultimately they cut too many corners and failed. I think sales-wise the Zfc has done alright, but at the expense of a lot of disappointed customers (at least mildly so) who wished Nikon had made a better effort. Thanks for the comment!
It looks like I’m the outlier here. I switched from an X-Pro2 to a Z fc as my travel camera and couldn’t be happier. A few things I prefer over the Fuji. 1) Overall size/weight, especially with the 16-50 zoom. Fuji has nothing to match that. 2) Articulating screen 3) Extended shutter speeds up to 900s 4) Superior AF 5) Can adapt my old MF Nikkors to go full retro 6) User interface is much more intuitive to me.
I used the Fuji for many years enjoyed and was happy with the results, but I just prefer the Nikon ecosystem. If I get the Fuji itch, I still have an X-E1 and a few primes, but they mostly sit on the shelf.
I used to shoot Nikon before Fujifilm. I did try the Zfc… it wasn’t for me. You can read about it here:
https://fujixweekly.com/2022/02/02/nikon-zfc-vs-fujifilm-x-trans/
Hi Ritchie,
What do you suggest between Zfc or XH1, in my country, there is a clearance sale and both have the same price (but ZFc free bundle with 28mm whereas XH1 is body only)?. I plan to buy one of them to replace my X100s which sadly died a few days ago
thank you
I would recommend the X-H1 hands down.