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Home โ†’ Reviews โ†’ Cameras and Lenses โ†’ Nikon D780 Review

Nikon D780 Review

By Spencer Cox 61 Comments
Last Updated On November 13, 2022

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Clearly the Nikon D780 has a lot of impressive features, but how does it compare to other cameras available today? Below, I’ll compare it against the three Nikon cameras a photographer is most likely to consider buying instead – the D750, Z6, and D850.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon D750

We’ll start with a comparison of the Nikon D780 and D750. Here are the specifications of the two cameras:

Camera FeatureNikon D780Nikon D750
Sensor Resolution24.5 MP24.3 MP
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSCMOS
Sensor Size35.9 x 23.9 mm35.9 x 24.0 mm
Sensor Pixel Size5.9µ5.9µ
Low Pass FilterYesYes
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYes
Image Size6,048 x 4,0246,016 x 4,016
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 100-12,800
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800ISO 50, ISO 25,600-51,200
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6EXPEED 4
Viewfinder TypePentaprismPentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage100%, 0.70x100%, 0.70x
Built-in FlashNoYes, with flash commander mode
Storage Media2x SD (UHS-II)2x SD (UHS-I)
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesNo
Continuous Shooting Speed7 FPS (viewfinder); 12 FPS (live view with silent shooting and 12-bit RAW)6.5 FPS
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 900 sec1/4000 to 30 sec
Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Exposure Metering Sensor180,000-pixel RGB sensor91,000-pixel RGB sensor
Highlight Weighted MeteringYesYes
Full aperture metering during Live View for stillsYesYes
Live View Focus System273-point On-Sensor Phase DetectContrast-Detect
Autofocus SystemAdvanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II with improved algorithmAdvanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II
Number of AF Points51 AF points, 15 cross-type51 AF points, 15 cross-type
Detection Range (f/2 standardized)-3 to +19 EV viewfinder; -6 to +17 EV live view-3 to +19 EV
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 Time30 minutes20 min in 60p, 30 min in 30p
Video Maximum Resolution3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ 30p; 1080p at 120p1920 x 1080 (1080p) @ 60p
Video Maximum Quality10-bit N-log over HDMI8-bit 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 Touchscreen3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting
LCD Resolution2,359,000 dots1,229,000 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 ShootingYesNo
Built-in GPSNoNo
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-in
BatteryEN-EL15b Lithium-ion BatteryEN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life2260 shots (CIPA)1230 shots (CIPA)
Battery ChargerMH-25a Quick ChargerMH-25a Quick Charger
Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
USB Version3.12.0
Weight (Body Only, Includes Batteries and Card)29.6 oz (840 g)29.5 oz (835 g)
Dimensions143.5 x 115.5 x 76.0 mm140.5 x 113.0 x 78.0 mm
MSRP Price$2300$1500

So, which camera is the right choice for you?

Although the easy answer is to say the D780, it’s really not a fair comparison. The D750 is selling for quite a bit less at $1500 new – and used prices often bring it to $800 or even less. Even though the two cameras are superficially similar, the older D750 has outdated video specifications, a much smaller buffer, and the previous generation of almost every other tech feature found on both cameras.

The D750 is still an excellent DSLR, don’t get me wrong. Especially with used prices under $1000, it’s an incredible bargain and a better value for the money than the D780, in my opinion. Pair it with a good lens and you’ll be set for years.

But if you’re strongly considering the D780, there’s a good chance the D750 is no longer on your radar anyway. Perhaps it should be (unless you shoot a lot of video), especially considering the bargain prices, but I suspect that more photographers will be deciding between the D780, Z6, and D850 instead.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6

Even though it isn’t a DSLR, the Nikon Z6 is probably the most similar camera to the D780 that is available today. It shares the same sensor, processor, video features, and live view implementation. The two cameras have very different layouts and (of course) viewfinders, but all in all are fairly similar. Here’s how the D780 and Z6 specifications compare:

Camera FeatureNikon D780Nikon Z6
Sensor Resolution24.5 MP24.5 MP
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size35.9 x 23.9mm35.9 x 23.9mm
Sensor Pixel Size5.9µ5.9µ
Low Pass FilterYesYes
In-Body Image StabilizationNoYes
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYes
Image Size6048 × 40246048 × 4024
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 100-51,200
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 100-204,800ISO 50, ISO 100-204,800
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6EXPEED 6
sRAW File SupportNoNo
Viewfinder TypePentaprismElectronic / EVF
Viewfinder Coverage100%, 0.7×100%, 0.8×
Built-in FlashNoNo
Storage Media2× SD, UHS-II Compatible1× XQD
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYes
Continuous Shooting Speed7 FPS mechanical shutter, 12 FPS with silent mode in Live View (12-bit RAW)12 FPS
Max Shutter Speed1/8000-900 sec, Bulb, Time1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb, Time
Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Shutter Durability150,000200,000 cycles
Exposure Metering Sensor180,000-pixel RGB sensorTTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Highlight Weighted MeteringYesYes
Full aperture metering during Live View for stillsYesYes
Face and Eye AFYesYes
Pet Eye AFNoYes
Number of AF PointsViewfinder: 51 Phase Detection AF points, 15 cross-type

Live view: 273 Hybrid Detect AF points

273 Hybrid Detect AF points
Detection Range-3 to +19 EV viewfinder; -6 to +17 EV live view-4 to +19 EV
Video OutputAVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 10-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 samplingAVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 10-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 sampling
Video Maximum Resolution3840 x 2160 (4K) up to 30p, 1920×1080 up to 120p3840 x 2160 (4K) up to 30p, 1920×1080 up to 120p
Highlight Display (Zebra Stripes) in Live ViewYesYes
LCD Size and Type3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting
TouchscreenYesYes
LCD Resolution2,359,000 dots2,100,000 dots
Built-in GPSNoNo
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-in
BatteryEN-EL15b Lithium-ion BatteryEN-EL15b Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life2260 shots (CIPA)330 shots (CIPA)
Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
Weight, Body Only (includes batteries and card)840 g (29.6 oz)675 g (23.9 oz)
Dimensions143.5 × 115.5 × 76.0 mm (5.6 × 4.5 × 3.0 inches)134 × 100.5 × 67.5 mm (5.3 × 4.0 × 2.7 inches)
MSRP, Body Only (at time of review publication)$2300 (Check Current Price)$1800 (Check Current Price)

So, of the D780 and Z6, which one is right for you? In my opinion, it comes down to a few issues: lenses, focusing, and weight.

The Z lenses right now are insanely good – the right mix of light weight and high quality – while the F mount lenses span practically every need you can imagine. If you have a lot of F-mount glass so far, I’d go for the D780 over the Z6. If not, and the Z-mount glass looks like it will meet your needs (maybe with just one or two F-mount lenses to supplement in the meantime), the Z6 is pretty hard to beat.

Another issue is autofocus (and the OVF vs EVF debate more broadly). The D780’s 51-point focus system is faster and better at tracking than what the Z6 offers. If you shoot a lot of sports or wildlife photography, I recommend the D780. But for photographers who prefer an electronic viewfinder that shows exactly what the sensor sees – especially travel or landscape photographers – the Z6 is probably the way to go.

Lastly, the simple issue of weight also matters. The D780 is small for a full-frame DSLR, but the Z6 beats it by 165 grams (more than 1/3 pound). Given that the Z6 is also $500 less expensive at the time of this article’s publication, I’d lean toward that one if you’re split 50-50, but it’s certainly not the right pick for everyone. Hopefully the information above is enough to give you a good idea of which one is right for you.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850

Finally, let’s take a look at how the Nikon D780 compares to the D850 – its larger, more expensive brother:

Camera FeatureNikon D780Nikon D850
Sensor Resolution24.5 MP45.7 MP
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size35.9 x 23.9 mm35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Pixel Size5.93µ4.35µ
Low Pass FilterYesNo
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYes
Image Size6,048 x 4,0248,256 x 5,504
Base ISOISO 100ISO 64
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 64-25,600
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, 102,400-204,800ISO 32, 51,200-102,400
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6EXPEED 5
Viewfinder TypePentaprismPentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage100%, 0.70x100%, 0.75x
Built-in FlashNoNo
Storage Media2x SD (UHS-II)1x XQD, 1x SD (UHS-II)
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYes
Continuous Shooting Speed7 FPS, 12 FPS in Live View (12-bit RAW)7 FPS, 9 FPS with MB-D18
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 900 sec1/8000 to 30 sec
Shutter Durability150,000 cycles200,000 cycles
Flash Sync Speed1/2001/250
Exposure Metering Sensor180,000-pixel RGB sensor180,000-pixel RGB sensor
Highlight Weighted MeteringYesYes
Full Aperture Metering During Live View for StillsYesYes
Live View Focus System273-point On-Sensor Phase DetectContrast-Detect
Live View Eye / Face DetectionYesNo
Autofocus SystemAdvanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II with improved algorithmMulti-CAM 20K AF sensor
Dedicated AF EngineNoYes
Number of AF Points51 AF points, 15 cross-type153 AF points, 99 cross-type
Detection Range (f/2 standardized)-3 to +19 EV OVF, -6 to +17 EV LV-4 to +20 EV
AF DetectionUp to f/8 (11 AF points)Up to f/8 (15 AF points)
Video Maximum Record Time20 min in 4K, 30 min in 1080p30 min in 4K
Video Maximum Resolution3840×2160 (4K) @ Up to 30p3840×2160 (4K) @ Up to 30p
Video Maximum Quality10-bit N-log over HDMI8-bit 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 Touchscreen3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Touchscreen
LCD Resolution2,359,000 dots2,359,000 dots
One-Click ZoomYesYes
Exposure Bracketing2 to 9 frames2 to 9 frames
Button IlluminationNoYes
Focus Shift ShootingYesYes
Built-in GPSNoNo
Wi-FiYesYes
BatteryEN-EL15b Lithium-ion BatteryEN-EL15a Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life2260 shots (CIPA)1840 shots (CIPA)
Battery ChargerMH-25a Quick ChargerMH-25a Quick Charger
Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
USB Version / Type3.1 Type-C3.0 Micro-B
Weight (Body Only, Includes Batteries and Card)29.6 oz (840 g)35.4 oz (1005 g)
Dimensions143.5 × 115.5 × 76.0 mm146.0 x 124.0 x 78.5 mm
MSRP, Body Only (at time of review publication)$2300 Check Current Price$3000 Check Current Price

Clearly the Nikon D850 has the D780 beat in most ways.  Live view implementation and video features do lean in the D780’s favor, but most of the rest is the D850’s domain.

Except, of course, for price. The D850 sells for $700 more new than the D780, so they’re barely even targeted at the same audience. However, because the D850 has been out for a couple years, it is now selling used for very attractive prices – in line with the D780, in fact, and sometimes a bit lower.

Given identical prices, if you don’t mind buying used, I’d go with the D850 unless you are a really heavy video user. But buying used is not a good option for all photographers, especially if you can’t return it easily or don’t trust the seller. And, of course, the D780’s own used prices will dip before long, once the newness of the camera has worn off. When that happens, the comparison will shift much more in the D780’s direction.

On that note, the next page of this review summarizes my thoughts on the Nikon D780 and whether the camera is worth buying for your needs:

Table of Contents

  • Overview and Specifications
  • Construction and Handling
  • Focusing Performance
  • Image Quality and Video
  • Camera Comparisons
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • More Image Samples
  • Reader Comments
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