Nikon Z fc vs Nikon D800

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z fc and Nikon D800. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z fc were released 2021 and Nikon D800 was released 2012. That is a 9 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Z fc 2021
Nikon D800 2012

Type of camera

Nikon Z fc is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D800 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z fc has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D800 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Z fc 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D800 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon Z fc has a 21 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D800 has 36,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Z fc 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712
Nikon D800 36,3 MP
36152320 pixels
7360 x 4912

Nikon D800 has a 75 % larger resolution than Nikon Z fc. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon Z fc has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D800. Nikon Z fc has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D800 has 100 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z fc 100-51200
Nikon D800 100-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z fc
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z fc can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z fc 11
Nikon D800 6

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon Z fc and Nikon D800 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 102% heavier than Nikon Z fc and its 445 gr (or 0.98 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z fc 445 gr
0.98 lb
Nikon D800 900 gr
1.98 lb

Nikon Z fc vs Nikon D800 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z fc and Nikon D800, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Name Nikon Z fc Nikon D800
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Release Year 2021 2012
Release Date 2021-06-29 2012-02-07
MSRP 959 USD 2999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
Megapixels 21 MP 36,3 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 6 EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
ISO Range 100 - 51200 100 - 25600
White Balance Presets 8 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 209 51
Lens Mount Nikon Z

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Articulated LCD Fully articulated Fixed
Screen size 3” 3,2”
Screen dots 1040000 921000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type TFT LCD TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution 2360000 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Frames per second 11 fps 6 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Yes
Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A)
Remote Control Yes (via smartphone) Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D800
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300 shots 900 shots
Width 135 mm 146 mm
Height 94 mm 123 mm
Depth 44 mm 82 mm
Weight 445 gram 900 gram