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Home → Cameras and Lenses

Nikon D750 vs D780

One of Nikon's most well-regarded DSLRs ever, the D750, faces off against its successor, the D780.

By Spencer Cox 75 Comments
Last Updated On March 26, 2020

Now that Nikon has released the D780, a lot of photographers are wondering just how it compares to the earlier Nikon D750. Certainly, the two cameras share a lot of DNA – but the D780 has a lot of little differences that add up to make a more advanced camera overall.

Nikon D750 vs Nikon D780

Specifications

Let’s start with the specifications differences between these two DSLRs:

Camera FeatureNikon D750Nikon D780
Sensor Resolution24.3 MP24.5 MP
Sensor TypeCMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size35.9 x 24.0 mm35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Pixel Size5.9µ5.9µ
Low Pass FilterYesYes
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYes
Image Size6,016 x 4,0166,048 x 4,024
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-12,800ISO 100-51,200
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 25,600-51,200ISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800
Image ProcessorEXPEED 4EXPEED 6
Viewfinder TypePentaprismPentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage100%, 0.70x100%, 0.70x
Built-in FlashYes, with flash commander modeNo
Storage Media2x SD (UHS-I)2x SD (UHS-II)
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterNoYes
Continuous Shooting Speed6.5 FPS7 FPS (viewfinder); 12 FPS (live view with silent shooting and 12-bit RAW)
Max Shutter Speed1/4000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 900 sec
Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Exposure Metering Sensor91,000-pixel RGB sensor180,000-pixel RGB sensor
Highlight Weighted MeteringYesYes
Full aperture metering during Live View for stillsYesYes
Live View Focus SystemContrast-Detect273-point On-Sensor Phase Detect
Autofocus SystemAdvanced Multi-CAM 3500FX IIAdvanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II with improved algorithm
Number of AF Points51 AF points, 15 cross-type51 AF points, 15 cross-type
Detection Range (f/2 standardized)-3 to +19 EV-3 to +19 EV viewfinder; -6 to +17 EV live view
AF DetectionUp to f/8 (11 AF points)Up to f/8 (11 AF points)
Video CapabilityYesYes
Video OutputMOV, Compressed and UncompressedMOV, Compressed and Uncompressed
Video Maximum Record Time20 min in 60p, 30 min in 30p30 minutes
Video Maximum Resolution1920 x 1080 (1080p) @ 60p3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ 30p; 1080p at 120p
Video Maximum Quality8-bit over HDMI10-bit N-log over HDMI
Audio RecordingBuilt-in stereo microphone
External stereo microphone (optional)
Built-in stereo microphone
External stereo microphone (optional)
Highlight Display (Zebra Stripes) in Live ViewYesYes
Interval Timer Exposure SmoothingYesYes
Timelapse Exposure SmoothingYesYes
Number of Images in Timelapse / Int Timer9,9999,999
LCD Size and Type3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Touchscreen
LCD Resolution1,229,000 dots2,359,000 dots
HDR SupportYesYes
One Click ZoomYesYes
Exposure Bracketing2 to 5 frames in steps of 2 or 3 EV
2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
2 to 5 frames in steps of 2 or 3 EV
2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
White Balance Bracketing2-9 exposures in 1, 2, or 3 EV increments2-9 exposures in 1, 2, or 3 EV increments
Focus Shift ShootingNoYes
Built-in GPSNoNo
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-in
BatteryEN-EL15 Lithium-ion BatteryEN-EL15b Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life1230 shots (CIPA)2260 shots (CIPA)
Battery ChargerMH-25a Quick ChargerMH-25a Quick Charger
Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
USB Version2.03.1
Weight (Body Only, Includes Batteries and Card)29.5 oz (835 g)29.6 oz (840 g)
Dimensions140.5 x 113.0 x 78.0 mm143.5 x 115.5 x 76.0 mm
MSRP Price$2,299$2,299

As you can see, there are a lot of differences here, most of which are in the D780’s favor.

On the surface, two of the biggest specifications, pixel count and focusing system, remain the same. This may seem perplexing given how much time has passed; the D750 was announced in September of 2014, compared to January 2020 for the D780.

However, the D780’s sensor is actually likely to be significantly improved. It is a BSI (backside illuminated) sensor with dual gain ISO, unlike the D750. We’ve already seen newer 24 megapixel sensors (specifically that on the Nikon Z6) beat the D750’s sensor head to head at high ISOs. It would be very surprising if the D780 were not similar in that regard.

In terms of focusing, although the D750 and D780 have the same system on paper, the D780 “inherits the AF algorithm” from the flagship D5, according to Nikon. It also has a more advanced metering system than the D750, which should help track moving subjects in difficult conditions. However, it remains to be seen just how much or little of an improvement this turns out to be in the field.

The other differences are where the D780 really shines. It has much better video specifications than the D750 (indeed, borrowed largely from the Nikon Z6’s excellent video specifications). That’s alongside the D780’s rapid-fire 12 FPS shooting, assuming you’re shooting 12-bit RAWs in the camera’s silent live view mode.

Personally, as a landscape photographer, one of the most interesting benefits of the D780 is that it allows shutter speeds of up to 900 seconds in manual mode. This is something photographers have been asking of Nikon for a long time, and it is very exciting to finally see in one of their cameras.

Other upgrades on the D780 include focus shift shooting, touchscreen capabilities, and a longer battery life of 2260 versus 1230 shots per charge (though a large part of this improvement is due to the D780’s removal of a flash; the CIPA standard takes flash shooting into account when measuring battery life, and flash drains the battery quite quickly).

Build and Design

The Nikon D750 and D780 are largely similar in design, but there are a few changes you may want to be aware of. Here’s a comparison of the cameras’ rear layouts:

Nikon D750 vs D780 Rear Control Layout

The biggest change is that the D780 adds a dedicated AF-On button, so you no longer need to assign the AE-L/AF-L button in order to enable back-button focusing.

Other, smaller changes include shuffling the live view button up to the top, moving around the i and info buttons, and moving the AE-L/AF-L button down a bit. Also, the negative magnification button which once doubled as an ISO control is now doubling as a metering control instead.

And here’s how the top layout compares:

Nikon D750 vs D780 Top Button Layout

Again, the changes are minor. The only important change is that the metering button on the top has been replaced with an ISO button (a welcome change, in my opinion), and then shifted to the right.

Recommendations

Like most of these comparisons, the right choice between the Nikon D750 and D780 is all about price.

The D750 is an older DSLR, and its price reflects that. It costs $1500 new and routinely sells for under $900 used in good condition. By comparison, the D780 is a brand new camera on the market, and it sells new for $2300. That’s a pretty huge difference given the similarities between these cameras.

Are the D780’s upgrades worth the price? That’s up to you. Personally, I still consider the D750 to be one of the best values in Nikon’s lineup, especially used, for photographers on a budget. The D780 is absolutely the more advanced camera, but how many of its new features are must-haves?

If you shoot a lot of video, the new camera is worth the price. The D780 is lightyears ahead of the D750 in video quality, with 4K shooting, phase-detect autofocus, and 10-bit log output capabilities. Otherwise, if budget is an issue, I would strongly consider the D750. The other benefits of the D780 are still quite good, and they may be enough to put the camera over the line for you… but for a price difference of $800 (or more if you go used), I’d rather buy the D750 and a good lens.

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Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Nikon D750, Nikon D780

About Spencer Cox

I'm Spencer Cox, a landscape photographer better known for my macro photography! My photos have been displayed in galleries worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and exhibitions in London, Malta, Siena, and Beijing. These days I'm active on Instagram and YouTube.

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mike G
mike G
July 3, 2020 3:39 pm

I’ve currently own 2 d750s. Not “a professional” but have done a few paid events. I was looking into upgrading my d750s to d780s. I rented a d780 for a week, and here is my conclusion. I’m not interested in video, or in using live view. (I’m probably odd, but I like looking through the viewfinder.) That being said, I set up several comparison shots between the two cameras, and also compared auto focus. I didn’t go beyond ISO 3200 as that’s more than high enough for almost all of my photography work. What I found is there is almost no perceivable difference between the two. Also, something caught my eye when comparing ISOs using the DPreview, ISO, low light comparison shots. At first I noticed a big difference between the two cameras, but then I saw you have an option for JPEG or RAW. When I clicked on RAW, the two were almost identical. This tells me that the new exceed 6 processor does a better job of eliminating noise for the out of camera JPEG shots, but since I always load my raw files into Lightroom, their is virtually no difference. I know the LiveView focusing is superior, but as far as the optical viewfinder AF, I really didn’t notice a difference. I’m keeping my two d750s and using the money to buy another lens or two.

10
Reply
Shashidhar Tuppad
Shashidhar Tuppad
Reply to  mike G
November 13, 2020 11:56 am

Well written experience, make sense to me as well. Investing on better lens would add value to gears and photos.

0
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Per Inge Oestmoen
Per Inge Oestmoen
February 12, 2020 7:56 am

The D780, like the Z6 and Z7, lacks contacts for the shutter and control functions of a vertical grip. Why?

The lack of a vertical grip option will be an absolute show-stopper for many.

1
Reply
KnightKrawler
KnightKrawler
January 8, 2020 6:52 am

Unless I missed it some where, other reviewers mentioned that the D780 is also capable of focus stacking.

1
Reply
Lawrence Wu
Lawrence Wu
March 28, 2021 9:11 am

Thanks Spencer for the worthy comparison of D750 and D780. What do you think about buying the used D780? Would it be more economical the used vs new? You mentioned about buying D750 and investing in a good lens. What kind of lenses would recommend?

Thank you very much for your valuable time!

Kind regards,

Lawrence Wu

0
Reply
Shashidhar Tuppad
Shashidhar Tuppad
November 13, 2020 11:52 am

I’m also one among others confused between d750 & d750, only concern I picking up d780 because of shutter mec speed which is double the d750, I might be wrong in decision, could you help me choosing between among them.

This is my very first DSLR and want to have better body with good lens , so ended up these two but initially I thought d7500 which is dx so thought of going fx and work with it and later if required will upgrade to better body by keeping fx lens to use. My main concern is shoot product, landscape, portrait and wildlife.

It would be really great if you help me choose one.

Thank you in anticipation.

Regards
Shashi

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Ronald
Ronald
June 19, 2020 3:56 am

Hi everybody!! I’m looking to upgrade from the DX series (d500,5200) to a full frame camera. I’m getting back into photography,videography, and am seeing a lot good things said about the 750. Since it would be my first foray into full frame cameras is it a good buy? And what exactly is Nikon z ( mirrorless) camera and its purpose? Any help would be appreciated. Also not sure if the replies to my comments get sent to my email address I provided, do they?

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Desmond
Desmond
Reply to  Ronald
August 14, 2020 6:39 pm

The D750 is a very highly regarded camera so you can’t go wrong with it. For video I think you will be better off with a mirrorless camera though [Z6].

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Emilio
Emilio
April 5, 2020 6:23 am

I am family and lifestyle photographer. I only have one camera – the D750 – so am looking to add another camera so that I can work with 2 cameras with different lenses at the same time. I was going to buy the D780 but have been put off by some of the comments here, mainly that it is not worth the price. Does anyone have any recommendations – I’ve heard great things about the 850 but have also heard that it’s really large and heavy? Would love to hear any recss for a camera to work along side a D750. I am learning to shoot film too – which is an added attraction to the 780.

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Bruce
Bruce
January 30, 2020 10:07 am

Hi! If their continuous shooting speeds are similar, what about the buffer of this newcomer?

0
Reply
Vikram S
Vikram S
January 16, 2020 3:15 am

I had the D750, but gave it up when 2 quirks annoyed the hell out of me:
1. The shutter was NOISY!
2. There was a perceptible delay in the waking of the rear screen, which led to annoying waits (up to 3s) when changing settings like WB and ISO which were mapped to the rear screen.

If the D780 has a refined shutter sound and a quick reacting rear screen, I may change to it. Till then, I’ll stick to my trusted D7000 for main use. It has an inferior AF and the limitations of DX sensors, but is refined and fast from sleep to shoot.

0
Reply
Eddie
Eddie
Reply to  Vikram S
January 28, 2020 3:42 pm

As a wedding and event photographer I too would be very interested to know if the mechanical shutter sound of the D780 is subtle / refined. The best Nikon I have used so far in this respect has been the D810 so if the D780 improves on this plus the option of silent, live view, shooting It may be a popular camera in the industry. Somehow, though, I doubt this will be the case as there is no mention of significant mechanical shutter improvements anywhere.

In fact, although I am still interested in the world of Nikon, I am now with Fujifilm and the X-H1 – now that has a sublime sounding mechanical shutter – so refined that the electronic, silent shooting it also has is often not even needed – it’s perfect for ceremonies and the often quiet events I photograph. All that said it is still good to see Nikon using mirrorless technology to drastically improve the live view of an otherwise conventional DSLR – I expect this will be rolled out on many more of their future DSLR releases and that can only be a good thing.

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Joe Neely
Joe Neely
January 15, 2020 2:37 am

If the new sensor proves to offer better noise control at high iso then that is enough for me. Retaining detail is key and that’s been the d750s saving grace.

0
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