Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

What camera would you buy? Both cameras are simular in both specs and price point, does a camera have an advantage with a dedicated shutter speed setting dial?.......thanks in advance.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

While there are a few differences between them under the covers, it mostly comes down to ergonomics, personal preferences and expectations. The Z50 is more similar to a traditional DSLR as well as most mirrorless camera bodies today. The Z fc tries to emulate the look and feel of a 1980's film camera, is more hands on, and is closer in design to the Fuji x-trans camera line which has similar top plate dials.

While you can fully use the top dials of the Z fc if you wish, you can also bypass some or all of them completely. I use the dials because it slows things down and brings me closer to a more traditional shooting experience, which I enjoy. In fact, my two favorite lenses which I use regularly with my Z fc are Voigtlander manual focus prime lenses designed specifically for Nikon Z mount bodies.

They are both great little cameras with terrific IQ. They may be a bit short on features for some people but they both meet all my needs after coming from a higher end and very feature rich Canon 7D Mark II DSLR. I have had the Z fc for a year, and my wife has the Z50 for around 5 months. We love using both of them. If you have specific questions feel free to send me a private message.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bought the Z fc mainly because of the looks and mechanical dials. It's newer than the Z50, and it's better in some ways. Watch comparisons on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=z50+vs+z+fc

Tote1940 Loc: Dallas

Bought Z50 as first mirrorless, now most used Later bought Zfc just seduced by its looks (82 year old raised on shiny rangefinders full of dials)
Fc certainly prettier nice to have dials but miss 1 custom button and pop up flash as fill in , positive more movable back screen
My favorite? Z50 hate to go through menus but like 2 custom buttons one HDR one RAW

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Nikon USA has a sale of refurbished units going on right now. If you can, this may be the time to buy.

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

I bought the Zfc, exclusively for the retro look. Also, just to have a smaller companion to my Df.

baron_silverton Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Besides the obvious ergonomics differences (which come down to personal choice/preference), the Zfc is just a slightly updated version of the Z50.

They are essentially the same except for the following:

1) The Zfc has the Z6II/7II AF system additions - i.e. can use large area wide with eye detect enabled (this has not been updated on the Z50

2) The Zfc can operate while being powered while the Z50 can only recharge its battery but is not operable while plugged in. As such, if you intend to use the camera for video conference type applications etc - then the Zfc is clearly better

3) The Zfc has only one front of camera programable function button where the Z50 has 2 - this is a big deal for some people and not for others - completely depends on your shooting style.

4) The display on the Z50 is a flip down display where the Zfc is a true vari-angle flip out to the side display. If you are a vlogger then the Zfc screen is much more useful but the Z50 can be used to vlog as well but you will need the Small Rig bracket attachment that moves the mount to the side so the Z50 screen can still flip down.

5) As mentioned at the top the ergonomics are completely different. If you intend to use any larger lenses (what is large is subjective) then the Z50 is by far a better choice as it has a very deep and decent grip. The Zfc is designed like the manual film Nikons of old (FM, FE etc.) and as such has no grip of any kind. There are optional grips that can be attached but they are extra and are not as good (ergonomically) as the Z50 grip.

To further this ergonomic point, you have to decide why you are buying the camera - as they are very different shooting experiences - the Zfc being more of an old school photo experience while the Z50 is definitely a modern style of shooting as it handles essentially the same as the full frame Z5/6/7 camera series.

As to point #1, Nikon should be able to add this functionality to the Z50 through firmware as the camera has the same processor as the Zfc, but so far, and it has been a while, they have opted not to do so, which is too bad. The same might be true for point #2 (but I don't know if this is just a firmware issue - this may be internal hardware as well).

But for whatever reason, Nikon has not included eye detection with the large area wide AF in any of the following models Z50, Z5, Z6, and Z7 - it is however in the Zfc and the most recent release the Z30 - both of which only have a single Expeed 6 processor no different from the Z50, Z5, Z6, Z7 so this seems to be an intentional minor crippling to encourage sales of other cameras (Zfc, Z6/7II etc).

Also, it is very likely that a new DX camera will be released sometime in the next 6-12 months from Nikon - it will likely be the most feature rich DX Z camera when it releases so there is a case for waiting, or buying a used Z50 very inexpensively (as it is the cheapest on the used market) in the interim.

Hope this helps :)

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I did as well

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I'm leaning tward the Zfc because of it's retro looks, it's really a nice looking camera!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Admittedly its great look is one of the reasons I got one, however more important is how it handles. I suspect that many people will not get used to it.

BebuLamar

The controls on the Zfc are for the most parts familiar. Except for the EC controls. The SLR in the old days don't have the EC there. Also one has to use the front dial for aperture. There is no aperture ring on the lens although the control ring can be used for aperture.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

That is correct, except that many people have never shot with a film SLR and therefore the use of dials on the top plate may be unfamiliar to them. The lack of a built in grip may also be an issue for some potential owners, although that can be rectified with the acquisition of the excellent SmallRig Z fc L bracket grip.

Bill_de Loc: US

I already had a Z50 when the Zfc was introduced. Sometimes a small built in flash comes in handy. That's a plus for the Z50. The rear screen on the Zfc can be flipped and folded into the camera back adding to the retro look and protecting the screen. That's a plus for the Zfc.

Both cameras are fun, and if fun is what you are looking for you can't go wrong with either.

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mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Having both of them at home, I agree with your assessment 100%. Besides being enjoyable to use, both bodies are very capable.