Nikon Zf vs Nikon Z fc
Nikon Zf has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Zf is the better pick for portraits, landscapes, sports, astrophotography; the Z fc is better for beginners.
Choose the Zf for
- more resolution (24.5MP vs 21MP)
- faster bursts (14fps vs 11fps)
- better low-light performance
- in-body image stabilisation
- weather sealing
- a larger full frame sensor
- a newer design (2023)
Choose the Z fc for
- faster sensor readout (≈45ms vs ≈50ms)
- a lighter body (445g vs 710g)
- a lower price (from £499)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Zf | Z fc |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.5MP | APS-C, 21MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Burst | 14 fps | 11 fps |
| Readout | ≈50 ms | ≈45 ms |
| Max ISO | 64,000 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | Lens only |
| Video | 4K 60p (crop) | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 710 g | 445 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Nikon EN-EL25a |
| Card slots | SD + microSD | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | £1,899 | £699 |
| Used at MPB | £1,179–1,269 | £499–564 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z fc |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Zf |
| Landscape | Zf |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | Zf |
| Astrophotography | Zf |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Nikon Z mount, so lenses move between them. Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Nikon EN-EL25a (about £55).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Zf better than the Nikon Z fc?
It depends on your priorities. The Zf offers more resolution (24.5MP vs 21MP), faster bursts (14fps vs 11fps), better low-light performance; the Z fc offers faster sensor readout (≈45ms vs ≈50ms), a lighter body (445g vs 710g), a lower price (from £499).
Which is better for video, the Zf or the Z fc?
They are closely matched for video (4K 60p (crop) vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Zf or the Z fc?
The Zf costs £1,899 new and from £1,179 used at MPB; the Z fc costs £699 new and from £499 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Zf lenses on the Z fc?
Yes. Both use the Nikon Z mount, though lenses made for the smaller sensor run in crop mode on the larger one.