Nikon D780 Review

Main Features

25MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 51200( expands to 50-204800)

3.2" Tilting Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

7 fps continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

840g. 144 x 116 x 76 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced Nikon D750

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Nikon D780 Overview

First introduced in January 2020 , Nikon D780 is a 25.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor. Nikon replaced the older D750 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D750

Nikon D780 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Nikon D780 has an Overall Score of 84/100 and ranked #4 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #24 out of 1212 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Nikon D780 Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Nikon D780 Compared to other DSLR Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon D780 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Articulating Screen

4K (UHD) Video

No crop on 4K Videos

Touch Screen

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

25.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

51.200 Max ISO

51 Focus Points

Large 3.2" Screen

2.359k dots LCD Resolution

1/8000s High Shutter Speed

Autofocus at f8 using 11 focus points

7.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (2260 shots)

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

0.7x magnification - Large Viewfinder

15 Cross Type Focus Points

2 Storage Slots

Top LCD Display

Flash Sync Port

AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)

High Shutter Life Expectancy - 150000 cycles

Focus Bracketing

Remote control with a smartphone

EV -4 Focus Sensitivity

Compatible with fast UHS-II cards

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CONs

No Image Stabilization

Heavy Body: 840g

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Nikon D780 Lens Mount and Lenses

Nikon D780 has a Nikon F lens mount and currently there are 309 native lenses available for this mount. Besides providing one of the largest selection of lenses, Nikon F mount also has backward compatibility which means that you can use F mount lenses even dating from 1960s. It is also well supported by the lenses form third-party manufacturers.

Nikon D780 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 70 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 71 lenses with weather sealing for D780 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Nikon D780 Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon F Mount Lenses for Nikon D780

Model	Focal Length on D780	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G	70-300mm	35mm FF	425gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G	50mm	35mm FF	290gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR	80-400mm	35mm FF	1340gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD	150-600mm	35mm FF	1951gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8G	50mm	35mm FF	185gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR	70-300mm	35mm FF	745gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8G ED	24-70mm	35mm FF	900gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR	105mm	35mm FF	720gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Nikon D780 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

Nikon D780 Sensor and Photography Features

Nikon D780 has a 25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6048 x 4024 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. D780 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50-204800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Nikon D780 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon D780 vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Nikon D780's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Nikon D780 Physical Specs

Nikon D780 weighs 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz) and has external dimensions of 144 x 116 x 76 mm (5.67 x 4.57 x 2.99″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 76mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D780

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Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D780

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Here is the front and top view image of Nikon D780 with the dimensions:

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon D780 with its main competitors:

Nikon D780 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs D780	Thickness	vs D780
Nikon D750 Compare	840g	equal weight	78mm	2mm thicker
Nikon D850 Compare	1015g	175g heavier	79mm	3mm thicker
Nikon Z6 Compare	675g	165g lighter	68mm	8mm thinner
Nikon D500 Compare	860g	20g heavier	81mm	5mm thicker
Nikon D7500 Compare	720g	120g lighter	73mm	3mm thinner
Nikon D810 Compare	980g	140g heavier	82mm	6mm thicker
Sony A7 III Compare	650g	190g lighter	74mm	2mm thinner
Canon 5D MIV Compare	890g	50g heavier	76mm	equal thickness

Weather Sealing

Nikon D780 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon D780 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon D780 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Nikon D780 LCD and Viewfinder

Nikon D780 has a Tilting 3.2" LCD screen with a resolution of 2,359k dots. The Nikon D780's 3.2" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

D780 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.7x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Nikon D780 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Nikon D780 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Nikon D780's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our D780. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect D780 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or Yes port.

Battery

Nikon D780 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 2260 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Nikon D780 has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

Nikon D780

Min

Average

Max

Nikon D780 is the longest battery life Advanced DSLR camera in our database. The closest competitor in this class is Nikon D850 with its 1840 shots battery life. Check the comparison of Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850 or take a look at Longest battery life DSLR cameras list.

Nikon D780 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Nikon D750 Compare	1920 x 1080	1230shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D850 Compare	3840 x 2160	1840shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nikon Z6 Compare	3840 x 2160	330shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D500 Compare	3840 x 2160	1240shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nikon D7500 Compare	3840 x 2160	950shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D810 Compare	1920 x 1080	1200shots	No	No	No
Sony A7 III Compare	3840 x 2160	610shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canon 5D MIV Compare	4096 x 2160	900shots	Yes	No	Yes

Nikon D780 Video Features

With Nikon D780, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Nikon D780 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor D750 which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your D750 and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of D780.

D780 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon D780 also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Nikon D780 a very suitable camera high quality videography.

Nikon D780 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Nikon D780 can shoot continuously at max speed of 7 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately D780 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

Nikon D780 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 51 focus points and 15 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

Nikon D780 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Nikon D780 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Nikon D780 in 5 different photography areas.

Nikon D780 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D780 has a score of 68 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Good Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D780 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D780 for Street Photography

Nikon D780 has a score of 69 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen

Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D780 for Street Photography

Nikon D780 for Sports Photography

Nikon D780 has a score of 90 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
15 Cross Type Focus sensors
51 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 2260 shots

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Anti Flicker feature
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D780 for Sports Photography

Nikon D780 for Daily Photography

Nikon D780 has a score of 80 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Large Body

840g
Body Thickness 76mm

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D780 for Daily Photography

Nikon D780 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D780 has a score of 52 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D780 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D780 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Nikon D780 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of D780 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon D780 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon D780

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon D780 amongst Camera Decision readers.

Nikon D750

Compare

Nikon D850

Compare

Nikon Z6

Compare

Nikon D500

Compare

Nikon D7500

Compare

Nikon D810

Compare

Sony A7 III

Compare

Canon 5D MIV

Compare

Nikon D780 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Nikon D780 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Nikon D780's price range.

Sony A7R III

Compare

Sony A9

Compare

Sony A7 III

Compare

Nikon Z6

Compare

Panasonic S1

Compare

Sony A7R II

Compare

Nikon Z5

Compare

Canon R6

Compare

Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon D780

Does the Nikon D780 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Nikon D780 have RAW support?
Does the Nikon D780 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Nikon D780 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Nikon D780?
What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D780?
is the Nikon D780 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Nikon D780 have Touch Screen?
Does the Nikon D780 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon D780?

Nikon D780 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Nikon
Model	Nikon D780
Announced	2020-01-07
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Nikon F
Number of Lenses	309
Focal Length Multiplier	1×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3.2"
Screen Resolution	2,359k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	900s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/8000s
Continuous Shooting	7.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Flash Modes	no built-in flash
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	Full frame
Sensor Dimensions	35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area	858.01mm²
Sensor Resolution	25 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	6048 x 4024
Max Native ISO	51,200
Max Boosted ISO	204800
Min Native ISO	100
Min Boosted ISO	50
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	51
Number of Cross Focus Points	15
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	Yes
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	840g
Physical Dimensions	144 x 116 x 76mm
Battery Life	2260 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	EN-EL15b
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
Storage Slots	2