Best starter camera: Nikon Z fc or the Fuji X-S20. On Route 66

In this video I compare two "entry level" cameras (the Nikon Z fc and the FUJI X-S20) in a real world photo journey on Route 66, where we'll compare the photography experience of travel photography, landscape, wildlife, portrait, and maybe even a little food photography, and decide which camera is the best.

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📷 GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO

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🎵 MUSIC USED IN THIS VIDEO
Everything Fades by TruNorth
Snowy Peaks pt II by Chris Haugen
Savior by Telecasted
Canary Forest by middle school
Bon Dry by Telecasted
Over the Mountain by Mini Vandals
Teasing the King by Nathan Moore

CHAPTERS
00:00 Let’s compare the Nikon Z fc to the FUJI X-S20
00:16 These are professional cameras
01:35 First impression testing on a road trip
02:41 Handheld with the Fuji X-s20 w/ IBIS
05:20 Handheld with the Nikon Z fc w/ out IBIS
07:00 Landscape on tripod, both cameras
09:10 Food poisoning
09:49 Comparing build quality
15:41 Why I love Route 66
17:43 Cheating wildlife photography & animal face detect
22:38 Injured kid likes the FUJI X-S20 more
23:32 Kitsch small town photography
24:17 Usability concerns regarding the Nikon Z fc
25:40 More photos from the small town
26:11 Ash Fork. Beautiful small town
29:16 Final day of photography
29:43 Night photography
30:02 More small town examples
30:25 Eye detect autofocus
30:48 Final thoughts on the Nikon Z fc
35:32 Final thoughts on the Fuji X-S20

[Scott_Graham]

This is such an old school Andrew video. Love it.

[lesscubes]

I'm a Fuji shooter who had to sell most of my gear due to a small financial disaster. (Dont worry, self inflicted, no pity desired or necessary.)

Puts me in the position of starting over, should I choose to. And for me the choice would be between staying with Fuji or hopping to full frame Nikon.

Now, Nikon stuff seems to go on sale quite at bit, as of this moment the Z5 is $1000 at B&H. Z6 II is $1600. Older cameras yes, less performant in some ways, but then you've hopped straight to full frame.

That said. If you buy into Fuji, start with the kit 18-55 or a 16-80, then get the 70-300 and a prime or two of your choice, you're pretty much set with a compact, rugged kit. But once you start getting into the Red Badge stuff, the size and weight (and cost) is such that you might as well be on full frame.

[kian]

Thank you Andrew for the wonderful content. The two bodies do feel like different beasts but the comparisons are interesting.

[craigcarlson]

Andrew, Great insights. Really interested to see your part II as well. If possible, can you comment on how easy/complicated is the editing of their respective raw files with LR in 2024? I owned several older Fujis in the past and now have owned the Z50 for a number of years, and have bought a number of the less expensive apsc lenses and some quality Nikon FF lenses. Yet, I am still considering getting into the Fuji system because of Nikon not giving any signs of investing further in higher end apsc models, or of producing any faster and higher quality apsc lenses. The heavier weight of FF cameras and lenses is becoming more of an issue for me as time goes on. So i’m on the hunt for the apsc system that’ll be the best compromise. And that is looking like Fuji.

[mieszko]

You look so much better without the cap! Great to see you back at it, Andrew. All the best from Norway

[markyteo]

I traded in my XT-20 for an XS-10, mainly for the IBIS. I regretted it becos of the shutter button. Looks like Fuji have kept the same deep press for the XS-20. 😅 Wouldve gotten the Z-F/FC if not for the Fuji lenses i own.

[alienmoondudes]

Can you program the left top dial of the xs20 to custom film recipes?

[lorenschwiderski]

Nikon Z5 body, when on sale, under a grand. Can't beat that. Get a 40mm f2 or a 28mm -- done!

[GamerNxUSN]

Thinking of trading my X E3 in for an s20 or t30ii, also considering the zf(not c)

[JackieDElia]

Really enjoy your videos, Andrew. You've got me looking for rural decay where I live. I just saw an old building today that I want to photograph. Wonder how the X-T5 compares with the Nikon? I have both the X-T5 and the X-S20 - and I prefer the X-T5 for photography.

[skyzi]

What objektive for the Nikon z FC for Landscape better any Idea?

[-grey]

Nice comparison. Nikon has a lot more headroom in terms of upgradability, but personally I'd probably go with the Z30 with 24f1.7 for a cheap starter pocket rocket. Fujifilm seem a little too big right now, and somehow a little too pro to be cheap and a little too amateur to be that expensive for me. Maybe if they had an option like the Z30, ~$600 no EVF, flip up screen, super small I'd be more inclined to dust off my XF glass again.

[stephanweiskorn]

Even the humble Fujifilm XT30II is cheaper with better specs. Nikon Zfc is a disguised Z50.

[ladyethyme]

Like the timestamps, but seriously you could've cut this video down by 2/3 or at least half and it would have been just as informative.

[edduffy]

Very good video. I definitely understand your final input on your overall pick of the Nikon Zfc as a stepping stool to Nikon Z full frame.

However, I believe anyone can still be listed as a professional photographer even as someone who stays with Fujifilm APS-C cameras.

I use to be heavy into the full frame hype as being needed to be considered a working professional, however not so much anymore.

[MakersTeleMark]

#funsaverFTW It literally saves your fun.

[markhou]

I don't like the term "film recipes" I think we should just call them picture profiles

[jaapkamstra]

When it comes to lens options Nikon is not very generous for the retro camera's they offer only two. So you have to go either pineapple on pizza or be very restricted in your lensoptions...

[SylviaElliott-cv]

Smith Shirley Garcia Brian Davis Barbara

[GregorMima]

My Problem with all these YT suggestions for "Best Camera"? Literally noone mentions lenses any beginner would need. Considering that, both systems are pretty lame and subpar with abysmal lens options - especially NIkon and APS-C. Start with lens selection, and chose your body AFTERWARDS. Since nowdays the camera body doesnt matter.