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

[@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.

[@craigcarlson4022]

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.

[@-grey]

Just a cautionary tip: Fujifilm is by no means light weight. My fullframe Canon R8 with the 35f1.8 is smaller and lighter than the XS-20 with the equivalent 23f1.4. I find it more comfortable to carry around than the X-T2 also, because of the grip depth. As much as I like them, Fujifilm is definitely a pain in the neck. Sony aps-c will be both lighter and more compact, since their a7CII and ZV-E1 fullframe cameras are about the size of the X100VII. Even the Canon R50 is a better option for weight, but lenses again do it would be a lateral move from Nikon. Micro four-thirds?

[@kian8382]

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

[@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.

[@mieszko1985]

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

[@alienmoondudes8071]

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

[@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.

[@skyzi22]

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.

[@Inspironceb]

Great comparation

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

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

[@Minh2268]

LoL are you sure?? In my country, the fuji Xt30II body only is more expensive than the new black version zfc with kit lens. The silver version is cheaper. Even you compare to used one.

[@edduffy9366]

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.

[@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.

[@MakersTeleMark]

#funsaverFTW It literally saves your fun.

[@jaapkamstra9343]

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...

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Naw man. You adapt old lenses, like I do

[@markhou]

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

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

I don't disagree

[@SylviaElliott-c6v]

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.

[@thomasa.243]

Yeah, well. You have the good standard zoom lens in APS-C (18-140). Even the Kitzoom is very capable. Additionally, the 28mm and 40mm are good lenses a beginner may want at a very attractive price. And if you are already well into the hobby, the 35mm, 50mm and 85mm S-Lenses are also great options that will work in terms of weight and size with the Nikon APS-C bodies. And then you have already a good selection if you plan to go to a full-frame body. And Fujifilm X is APS-C only, so, your budget is the limit.

[@GregAndBeth]

Ya Fuji have some of the best lenses ever. They have had a lack of affordable lenses maybe. But that’s fixed as viltrox and other companies have started makes autofocus lenses.

[@ericlamont4130]

Jeezus. Settle down. Try watching more than one video. Do some research. There are literally countless videos on “best Brand-X lens for beginners”, or similar.

[@travelcanada8817]

​@@GregAndBeth agree.

[@unbroken1010]

Are you a Canon Shill?

[@Fstudiophoto]

Fujifilm is toys cam

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Pretty expensive, high powered, professional capable, toy Camara.