Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc
- Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Overview
- Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Imaging Performance
- Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Video Performance
- Recommended Olympus PEN F & Nikon Z fc Lenses
- Final Thoughts on the Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc
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While we acknowledge that the Olympus Pen F and Nikon Z fc have A LOT of differences, they have one huge thing in common – their compact, old-school designs. With that in mind, we wrote this Olympus Pen F vs Nikon Z fc review to help people struggling to decide which stylish, retro-style camera better suits their photography needs.
Below, we share everything you need to know about these two popular digital cameras. We’ll start with general overviews before breaking down their individual photo and video capabilities. Also, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a pre-owned mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are dutifully hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We’ve been using MPB’s online marketplace to buy, sell, and trade in camera equipment for years and would never have achieved the success we did without their help. That’s why we wanted to give them a much-deserved shout-out here today. Now, let’s dive in and discover whether the Olympus Pen F or Nikon Z fc is the right camera for you!
Table of Contents
Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Overview
Olympus PEN F
The Nikon Z fc was released in 2021, while the Olympus Pen F first debuted in 2016. Both mirrorless cameras utilize cropped sensors – the Z fc has an APS-C sensor, and the Pen F has a Four Thirds sensor. The smaller sensors allow their bodies to be lighter and more portable than full-frame cameras.
Another shared strength of these two cameras is their handling and ergonomics. Both can easily be controlled using only one hand and have multiple customizable buttons and control dials. The customization options grant you the freedom to set up the cameras in a way that best matches your shooting style, speeds up your workflow, and improves your overall productivity.
Nikon Z fc
Here’s a head-to-head look at the key features and specs of the Olympus PEN F and Nikon Z fc to see how they stack up:
Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Imaging Performance
Olympus PEN F
Still photographers will be thrilled with the sharpness and image quality of photos taken on the Olympus Pen F and Nikon Z fc. However, the Pen F has the advantage of boasting in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The stabilization reduces camera shake, boosts low-light performance, and makes it easier to snap sharp, in-focus images.
Both cameras have fast continuous shooting – the Z fc captures bursts at 11 fps and the Pen F at 10 fps (20 fps with the electronic shutter), making them good action and sports photography options.
Nikon Z fc
One more thing these retro cameras have in common is their high-resolution electronic viewfinders (EVFs). The EVFs have 2.36 million dots each, which will greatly help you when composing your photos.
Which is the best camera for photos? It’s a close call, but we like the Olympus Pen F.
Learn More:
Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc: Video Performance
Olympus PEN F
Switching to video, there is one camera that clearly has the upper hand – the Nikon Z fc. For starters, it has oversampled 4K video capabilities at speeds of up to 30p. Additionally, it records stunningly smooth 1080p/120p slow-motion video and has a microphone port for advanced audio control.
The Olympus Pen F isn’t a bad video camera, though. Beginners and people who rarely film video content will find the 1080p Full HD video quality more than suitable (better than mobile phones, for example).
Nikon Z fc
Another design feature you will find on both cameras is a fully-articulating screen. This is a must-have for modern videographers, making it much easier to shoot selfie video footage for YouTube, social media, etc.
Which is the best camera for video? The Nikon Z fc in a landslide.
Recommended Olympus PEN F & Nikon Z fc Lenses
Nikon Z fc
Here are two quick lists of the best Micro Four Third lenses and the best Nikon Z Mount lenses to pair with the Olympus Pen F and Nikon Z fc.
Olympus Pen F Lenses
Nikon Z fc Lenses
Final Thoughts on the Olympus PEN F vs Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z fc
As you can see, these two classic-looking mirrorless cameras are packed full of modern and advanced features. And while you can’t go wrong with either one, here are our final recommendations:
People who mostly or exclusively shoot photos should opt for the Olympus Pen F. On the other hand, for those of you more interested in creating video content, the Nikon Z fc is the superior option. And lucky for you, MPB has fantastic deals on both right now!