Nikon
Z5 IIC
Screen-first, viewfinder-free full-frame Z mount body: 24.5MP BSI sensor, EXPEED 7 AF with fish detection, 7.5-stop IBIS, 15 Scene Modes, and N-RAW video.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2026
Nikon
Z fc
Retro APS-C Z camera with dial controls and compact style.
$999
Launch priceReleased Jun 2021
Z5 IIC is 5.3 years newer.
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Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Z fc
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ fc has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 0 fps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AZ5 IIC has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
- BZ fc has higher EVF resolution (2,360,000 vs 1,040,000)
- AZ5 IIC has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 30 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 × 72 mm
620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z fc
135 × 94 × 44 mm
390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz)
Z5 IIC is 1mm narrower and 13mm shorter than Z fc but it is also 29mm thicker.
Z5 IIC is 230 g heavier than Z fc.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 44mm Z fc
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z fc
135 × 94 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z5 IIC
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z fc
135 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z fc
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5 IIC
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z fc
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z5 IIC
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -4.5 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
IBIS effectiveness
7.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.7, 72
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Reasons to choose
Z fc
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.5, 93.5, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
EVF resolution
2,360,000 vs 1,040,000 — higher is better
Weight
390 g vs 620 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z5 IIC
Pros
- ✓Lightest full-frame Z body (620g)
- ✓15 Scene Modes — first on a Nikon FX mirrorless
- ✓EXPEED 7 AF, 10 subject types incl. fish
- ✓7.5-stop IBIS + Focus Point VR
- ✓N-RAW internal recording, UVC/UAC webcam
Cons
- –No built-in EVF — rear screen only
- –Single SD UHS-II slot
- –No mechanical shutter
- –4K 60p is DX (APS-C) crop only
Z fc
Pros
- ✓Retro design
- ✓Compact
- ✓Good JPEG
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older sensor
- –Limited grip
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 IIC and Z fc at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
Nikon Z fc
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Z5 IIC or Z fc?
Z5 IIC scores 6.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z fc — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Z fc?
Z5 IIC is 24.5 MP and Z fc is 20.9 MP, so the Z5 IIC captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z fc have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z fc does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Z fc?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Z fc reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Z fc?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Z fc weighs 390 g, so the Z fc is 230 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z fc record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Z fc: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Z fc weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Z fc: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 300 shots for the Z fc, giving the Z5 IIC the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Z fc at $999. The Z fc is $400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 IIC vs Z fc vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.