A Nikon Zfc and the 16-50mm Kit Lens on a One-on-One Photography Course in Melbourne
A Nikon Zfc with the silver NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm, set to M for a one-on-one morning in Melbourne CBD.
Brooke and her Nikon Zfc in a Melbourne CBD courtyard.
The Gear: Nikon Zfc and the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Brooke brought a Nikon Zfc with the silver NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, the zoom Nikon sells in the Zfc kit.
The Zfc has an APS-C sensor, which Nikon calls DX. Its 1.5x crop means the 16-50mm frames like a 24-75mm on full frame. The widest aperture shifts as you zoom, from f/3.5 at 16mm to f/6.3 at 50mm.
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR.
Learning Manual Mode on the Nikon Zfc
The Zfc has separate dials on its top plate for shutter speed and ISO. In M, shutter speed, aperture and ISO are all set by hand, and balancing the three is the exposure triangle.
On the laneway frame below, Brooke's screen reads M, 1/60 at f/8, ISO 800.
Manual mode on the Zfc: 1/60 at f/8, ISO 800.
Street Photography in Melbourne's Laneways
Street art in a Melbourne CBD laneway.
Nikon Zfc: Quick Answers
What focal length is the 16-50mm kit lens on the Nikon Zfc?
The Zfc's DX sensor has a 1.5x crop, so the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm frames like a 24-75mm lens on full frame.
Why does the 16-50mm's maximum aperture change when I zoom?
It is a variable-aperture zoom: the widest setting is f/3.5 at 16mm, narrowing to f/6.3 at 50mm. Shooting wide open in manual, zooming in lets in less light, so the picture darkens unless shutter speed or ISO changes. Apertures of f/6.3 and narrower, such as f/8, stay the same across the whole zoom.
Does the Nikon Zfc have a shutter speed dial?
Yes. The top plate has a shutter speed dial, an ISO dial and an exposure compensation dial.
What the Course Covers
- Manual exposure: setting shutter speed, aperture and ISO for the scene in front of you
- Shooting in M on the Nikon Zfc with the 16-50mm kit lens
- Street photography in Melbourne CBD courtyards and laneways
Free calculators
To see what the 16-50mm frames on an APS-C body, use the crop factor calculator and the depth of field calculator.
The course runs 3 hours on foot through Melbourne CBD, on your own camera, in full manual. Sessions take up to two students; Brooke had this one to herself. If you are still choosing a body, the best camera for beginners guide lays out the options, and the Lightroom course covers the RAW files afterwards. More sessions on the blog: Michael on a Nikon Z6 II and Eliza on a Fujifilm X-S20 with its kit lens.
Your Turn
The DSLR & Mirrorless Express Photography Course runs on Fridays or Saturdays in Melbourne CBD. Max 2 students. $499. Check our photography tips for beginners if you want a head start before you come.