ZfcII vs. Z50II

[MrHollywood]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

 

[skyrunr]

Well, you get the retro look and retro AF that is still better than a film camera! (sarcasm/joking tone) I'd rather see a ZfII with 45mp, no AA filter, recall settings (ideally a few of them,) and it would basically an updated Z7II. I don't Nikon is thinking this way. I'd like a smaller rangefinder approach with "just" stellar 1080p video specs.

 

[SoCalAngler]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

How big a winner? Was it a winner in USA? I don't have Nikon's sales data I don't really have an opinion. Ok, I don't like the UX but still think its a fine camera and if someone gave me one I wouldn't turn it down so I guess that is an opinion.. Since the Zfc came out I have seen only two in use outside of a camera store and I see a lot of cameras here in San Diego County.

While some people like you would like an update I'm not sure that Nikon sees much benefit from adding the Expeed7 goodness to the smallish APS-C retro design. The Expeed7 improvements almost demand extra buttons, but the Zf does have the same basic layout. But I'm not sure that they don't see a benefit either. Nikon's bean counters will probably have a big say.

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Will probably have a better idea by then. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a Z30II first to get the Expeed7 goodness to the creator/streaming crowd.

Robert

 

[MrHollywood]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

How big a winner? Was it a winner in USA? I don't have Nikon's sales data I don't really have an opinion. Ok, I don't like the UX but still think its a fine camera and if someone gave me one I wouldn't turn it down so I guess that is an opinion.. Since the Zfc came out I have seen only two in use outside of a camera store and I see a lot of cameras here in San Diego County.

I'm in Woodland Hills, Northridge and LA proper. I've seen a few Zfc's and just last week I saw a young lady with a Zf. But I do actually know that the Zfc sold well, so I'd be surprised to see them abandon it. I probably see more Canon's outside, but on set it's Sony and Nikon.

While some people like you would like an update I'm not sure that Nikon sees much benefit from adding the Expeed7 goodness to the smallish APS-C retro design. The Expeed7 improvements almost demand extra buttons, but the Zf does have the same basic layout. But I'm not sure that they don't see a benefit either. Nikon's bean counters will probably have a big say.

Nikon will add Expeed 7 to every body in time. If the Zfc doesn't get it, then it will be discontinued.

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Will probably have a better idea by then. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a Z30II first to get the Expeed7 goodness to the creator/streaming crowd.

No doubt the Z30 will see the update soon, but I don't bother with finderless cameras.

I do hope the ZfcII is part of the next generation lineup!
Robert

 

[Ruedon]

Well, you get the retro look and retro AF that is still better than a film camera! (sarcasm/joking tone) I'd rather see a ZfII with 45mp, no AA filter, recall settings (ideally a few of them,) and it would basically an updated Z7II. I don't Nikon is thinking this way. I'd like a smaller rangefinder approach with "just" stellar 1080p video specs.

I'm also wondering why Nikon makes so many 24MP cameras, maybe because Canon and Panasonic do the same. But mind Sony! Fine for the Z6III when focusing on speed at moderate price. Now that the Z5II got the sensor of the Z6II paired with Expeed 7, I would also expect another camera with the sensor of the Z7II and Expeed 7.

 

[Ruedon]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I just bought a Z fc, in addition to a Z8, to share it with my family and for occacional fun, making us experience the basics of photography and looking soo cute. Expeed 6 is fine for this purpose and the relatively low price gave me another kick.

The Z50 and Z5 were released in 2019 and 2020 -- their successors five years later in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The Z fc in 2021 -- this is why 2026 would be the best guess you can make for a Z fc II.

Edit: I don't know if Nikon faces challenges with cooling of Expeed 7 cameras. The Z50II got bigger than the Z50. If they needed a larger body for the Z fc II, this could further delay it's release.

Btw. considering that the Z fc has about the form factor of the former FM2, as opposed to the Zf more looking like a professional F3, I wonder if Nikon could make a Z fc x with full frame sensor -- why not the sensor of the Z7II? Maybe somewhen in the future if a new generation of Expeed processors will produce less waste heat?

 

[PLShutterbug]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I have less than zero interest in a Zfcii - it would take up resources that could be crafting a Z7iii with some really magical landscape stuff.

As I’m sure long-time readers here are tired of reading, I did the retro cameras 45+ years ago, when they were cutting-edge technology. I have no interest in retreading that tire, and I find endless amusement at people who buy the Zf or Zfc and then want to know the best grip to buy in an attempt to fix just one of their ergo flaws.

 

[MrHollywood]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I have less than zero interest in a Zfcii - it would take up resources that could be crafting a Z7iii with some really magical landscape stuff.

As I’m sure long-time readers here are tired of reading, I did the retro cameras 45+ years ago, when they were cutting-edge technology. I have no interest in retreading that tire, and I find endless amusement at people who buy the Zf or Zfc and then want to know the best grip to buy in an attempt to fix just one of their ergo flaws.

Why is it a flaw? My FM2 had a grip. Some of my friends had them, some didn't like them. The grip is OPTIONAL on those cameras, just like it is today on a Zf or Zfc. My wide takes the grip off the Zfc. She likes it without.

As I'm sure you're tired of reading, plenty of us enjoy these retro cameras quite a bit. I actually like the Zf handling because it's still very much part of what I'm used to. Is the Z9 better for ergonomics? I guess it is, but truth be told I just don't have an issue with any of these bodies.

Robert

 

[zephxiiii]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I love my Zfc too. I started out by renting it and I didn't want to give it back. Love how small it is. Retro design doesn't bother me at all and I use it with a big lens all the time.

Having a Z6 III now the Zfc AF weirdly doesn't bother me, it seems a lil better than my Z6 I.


I do want a newer version with Expeed7 but I also want the bottom plate to be metal (mine's cracked) and weather sealing like the Zf. Would be really cool to have DX version of the Z6 III in it.


I think Nikon should keep pushing and expanding the retro line. A 45mp ZF someone mentioned I think would be a brilliant idea...+ 1 more Fn button.

 

[LastLapPass]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I have less than zero interest in a Zfcii - it would take up resources that could be crafting a Z7iii with some really magical landscape stuff.

What "magical stuff" is needed in a landscape camera for taking picture of things that don't move?

JJ

 

[LastLapPass]

Well, you get the retro look and retro AF that is still better than a film camera! (sarcasm/joking tone) I'd rather see a ZfII with 45mp, no AA filter, recall settings (ideally a few of them,) and it would basically an updated Z7II. I don't Nikon is thinking this way. I'd like a smaller rangefinder approach with "just" stellar 1080p video specs.

I'm also wondering why Nikon makes so many 24MP cameras, maybe because Canon and Panasonic do the same. But mind Sony! Fine for the Z6III when focusing on speed at moderate price. Now that the Z5II got the sensor of the Z6II paired with Expeed 7, I would also expect another camera with the sensor of the Z7II and Expeed 7.

The typical display size these days is the 2mp interwebs pics...

24 is overkill already.

JJ

 

[BGD300V1]

The DF was never upgraded from the EXPEED 3.

The Z50 was the last (if not only) Z body that used micro-USB connectivity which meant needed to be changed to accomodate USB-C for sale in Europe.

 

[skyrunr]

The typical display size these days is the 2mp interwebs pics...

24 is overkill already.

JJ

That is an OPINION I do not share, even though I'm comfortable with my 24mp camera and using Gigapixel/enhance quite comfortably. It is extra work and TIME though.

I have a strong background in lab print production. Most print aspect ratios aren't 16:9, and if I had a dime for every hour I've spent explaining cropping and resolution... Ask a few BIF shooters about cropping.

I generally don't shoot vertical images, and they are generally better for viewing on mobile devices, or at least 1:1. I don't generally let me smartphone auto-rotate these days.

I don't even need 45mp or 62mp, as 30-33mp seems to be a sweet spot. (Canon R, R7, and Sony A7CII.) Why? Because I can shoot in DX mode, fill the frame, AF will work better, and the scene will meter the subject better. I can use a prime as two lenses. Shooting in DX mode JPG lets me deliver or present images at the event.

Just maybe I could get along better with the 24mp's if they had no or a weaker AA filter. There is a reason 4k is becoming popular. That being said, I don't even own a 4k monitor myself, but I could still appreciate the detail in 45mp files. It is simply just fun to read small text in the background.

JPG's from my Z7II were amazing SOOC. I rarely miss an exposure with an EVF, and I really enjoy HEIF images. The average person doesn't have a very extensive RAW workflow either. I mostly Shot JPG for 10 years, but I now shoot RAW because Lightroom doesn't treat HEIF or JPG to most of the enhance and color profiles.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

I love my little Zfc, but the older AF is a drag and now we have the awesome little Z50II, which might bring us a ZfcII....right?

I happen to know that the Zfc was a winner for Nikon, so it would make sense that they'd update the little retro beast...right?

So who's waiting (besides me!) for the ZfcII? If I knew for a fact that the ZfcII wasn't coming I'd probably grab the Z50II to join my Z9's and Zf. But there's no hint from Nikon so far!

I'll wait until Halloween and that's it! Hear me, Nikon?

Robert

I'm wondering if they'll even do a Zfc II to be honest, since the Zf has gone on sale for as low as $1799 and $1299 refurbished. I'm not necessarily saying it won't happen but it won't be this year most likely. (I was recently told that there is only one more camera coming this year, and it's a video-centric camera and probably a FF one at that but that's all I know). If you need more speed, just get the Z50 II and keep your Zfc for the times when you don't need the speed.

--
PLEASE NOTE: I usually unsubscribe from forums and comments after a period of time, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. Feel free to PM me if you have a questions or need clarification about a comment I made.

 

[skyrunr]

Do you hate standard cars too?! I hear you regarding functionality, but I appreciate the design. If the Zf was the size of the Zfc, or somewhere between, I much preferred the Zf's solid build over the Zfc. I'm trying to think ahead on how Nikon could fit one in and NOT raise the price. $400-1000 from the Z7II.

I think these requests are reasonable. A larger sensor and Expeed7... it shouldn't require moving mountains or R&D. However, from Thom Hogan's posts, you have to question Nikon's efficiency. Color me impressed with the Z6III/Z5II/Z50II's consistency with design and features.

They should have fit the Z6III into a Z6II body, or at least explained why they couldn't. If it was for video, as I suspect, offer a video-centric body with industry leading stabilization. "8 stops" doesn't translate to smoother video.

 

[PLShutterbug]

Do you hate standard cars too?!

Nah, though my last standard shift was in 2004. The car I drive today doesn’t even have an ignition key or button.

What I dislike is people buying stick-shift cars and then complaining because they have to use a clutch, and they have to constantly shift gears. And then they go on car-enthusiast forums and ask who has the best auto-shift add-on.

 

[AWG_Pics]

Do you hate standard cars too?!

Nah, though my last standard shift was in 2004. The car I drive today doesn’t even have an ignition key or button.

What I dislike is people buying stick-shift cars and then complaining because they have to use a clutch, and they have to constantly shift gears. And then they go on car-enthusiast forums and ask who has the best auto-shift add-on.

I bought the Zf and, based on the many reviews I read and watched beforehand, ordered the smallrig grip before I received the camera. Also bought some shutter buttons. After 6 weeks, I stripped all that extra junk off the body and now just shoot it au naturel with only a peak design strap.

And yes, for "but whatabout longer lenses" finger waggers: I even shoot my FTZii adapted 500 PF and the Tamron 150-600 G2 without a grip.

For me, treating the camera like the precision guidance system it is for short or long, lite or heavy, glass is the key. A marvelous capable body that makes it fun to shoot. And the images are just as good or better than my D5 ever produced, so why on earth would I complain?

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Do you hate standard cars too?! I hear you regarding functionality, but I appreciate the design. If the Zf was the size of the Zfc, or somewhere between, I much preferred the Zf's solid build over the Zfc. I'm trying to think ahead on how Nikon could fit one in and NOT raise the price. $400-1000 from the Z7II.

I think these requests are reasonable. A larger sensor and Expeed7... it shouldn't require moving mountains or R&D. However, from Thom Hogan's posts, you have to question Nikon's efficiency. Color me impressed with the Z6III/Z5II/Z50II's consistency with design and features.

They should have fit the Z6III into a Z6II body, or at least explained why they couldn't. If it was for video, as I suspect, offer a video-centric body with industry leading stabilization. "8 stops" doesn't translate to smoother video.

The Z6 III and thus the Z5 II and Z50 II need more space I think for cooling (especially the Z6 III though since doing 6k likely means the processor and sensor are working quite hard). The same would be true for anything that has an Expeed 7 It's not a huge increase in size (it seems like 3mm for the Z5 II and Z50 II I think). But I think in order to keep heat managed they had to make the bodies a bit bigger. I mean if you look at the z8 vs z9, the z8 is more prone to overheating than the z9 likely due to it's smaller size.

--
PLEASE NOTE: I usually unsubscribe from forums and comments after a period of time, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. Feel free to PM me if you have a questions or need clarification about a comment I made.

 

[PLShutterbug]

Do you hate standard cars too?!

Nah, though my last standard shift was in 2004. The car I drive today doesn’t even have an ignition key or button.

What I dislike is people buying stick-shift cars and then complaining because they have to use a clutch, and they have to constantly shift gears. And then they go on car-enthusiast forums and ask who has the best auto-shift add-on.

I bought the Zf and, based on the many reviews I read and watched beforehand, ordered the smallrig grip before I received the camera. Also bought some shutter buttons. After 6 weeks, I stripped all that extra junk off the body and now just shoot it au naturel with only a peak design strap.

And yes, for "but whatabout longer lenses" finger waggers: I even shoot my FTZii adapted 500 PF and the Tamron 150-600 G2 without a grip.

For me, treating the camera like the precision guidance system it is for short or long, lite or heavy, glass is the key. A marvelous capable body that makes it fun to shoot. And the images are just as good or better than my D5 ever produced, so why on earth would I complain?

Perfect. You bought the camera realizing its ergo design requires different handling, have embraced the ethos, and are making it work - just like I made my FM work 43 years ago. Good on ya!

 

[UsherFellig]

I have two black zfcs and love them almost as much as my FF Zs. I'm a big IBIS fan, but I keep the VR 16-50 glued to one of them, which is almost as good as having IBIS. I think the people who don't like that lens are blurry background/bokeh people. For sharp in-focus scenes with DOF, it is fantastic. I got the other body to keep a small faster prime on at any given time. I like normal focal lengths and both the 26mm f2.8 and the 40mm f2 are super nice on the zfc.

I wouldn't say no to an augmented 2nd gen, but I'm not hurting with out that. Don't need AF-C superpowers, and if no IBIS version arrives the VR pancake zoom is stabilised enough and it's my favorite range. I learned on an FM camera and love my FM series bodies, and the zfc is a blissful return to that. I believe it was hugely successful for Nikon, though perhaps less in the USA. Geargeeks here turned their noses up at its plastic build, but I find it quite solid. Shutter is a little loose feeling, but it's a solid little camera.

There is just something about the colors and rendering out of the Nikon 20 and 24mp cameras, APSC or FF. From the D610/750, including the later so-called entry-level D3XXX and D5XXX bodies, they just deliver beautiful still images. And that's carried over to Z.