Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Released Sep 2023
Nikon
Z fc
Retro APS-C Z camera with dial controls and compact style.
$999
Released Jun 2021
Zf is 2.3 years newer.
Wins
Zf
Wins
Z fc
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- AZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
- AZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- AZf has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BZ fc has lower Weight (390 g vs 630 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
Z fc
135 × 94 × 44 mm
390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz)
Zf is 10mm wider, 10mm taller, and 6mm thicker than Z fc.
Zf is 240 g heavier than Z fc.
Depth (front-to-back): 49mm Zf · 44mm Z fc
Sensor size, to scale
Zf
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
Zf
✓ 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
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -4.5 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, MicroSD UHS-I
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Zf supports it
Reasons to choose
Z fc
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.5, 93.5, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
390 g vs 630 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
1.02 × vs 0.8 × — higher 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
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Z fc
Pros
- ✓Retro design
- ✓Compact
- ✓Good JPEG
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older sensor
- –Limited grip
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Zf or Z fc?
Zf scores 7.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z fc — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the Zf and Z fc?
Zf is 24.5 MP and Z fc is 20.9 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Zf and Z fc have in-body image stabilization?
Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while z fc does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Zf or the Z fc?
Zf reaches 30 fps electronic. Z fc reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Zf and Z fc?
Zf weighs 630 g and Z fc weighs 390 g, so the Z fc is 240 g lighter.
Do the Zf and Z fc record 4K video?
Zf: 4K up to 60p. Z fc: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Zf and Z fc weather sealed?
Zf: Yes. Z fc: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 380 shots (CIPA) for the Zf and 300 shots for the Z fc, giving the Zf the edge.
How much does each cost?
Zf launched at $2,049 and Z fc at $999. The Z fc is $1,050 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.