Nikon D780 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview Nikon D780 review highlights the camera as a versatile DSLR offering excellent 24MP raw image quality, high dynamic range, and accurate color rendering, earning it an 87% score and a Silver Award. It bridges the gap between DSLR and mirrorless with 4K video capability, fast live-view autofocus with eye tracking, and impressive 2,260-shot battery life. Key drawbacks noted include the absence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the lack of a dedicated AF-joystick, and complex differences between viewfinder and live-view AF systems. Additionally, the camera omits a built-in flash and vertical grip contacts, making it feel less featured than some competitors.

The Photography Life review identifies the Nikon D780 as a refined full-frame hybrid DSLR featuring exceptional low-light ISO performance, great dynamic range, and improved live view functionality adapted from the Z6, including 12 fps silent shooting and 4K video. Key strengths include robust, weather-sealed construction, a 68-shot RAW buffer, long exposure capabilities, and superior battery life. Conversely, the review notes the optical viewfinder AF system feels dated with limited coverage, and the body lacks a built-in flash, AF-assist lamp, and vertical grip electronic contacts. Additionally, the camera lacks in-body stabilization (IBIS) and features a tilting, rather than fully articulating, screen, making it a "best of both worlds" hybrid that nonetheless misses some modern, specialized features.

Nikon D780 Review Summary The Nikon D780 is an excellent full-frame DSLR-mirrorless hybrid camera. It features a 24.5MP sensor and EXPEED 6 processor. The sturdy magnesium alloy body is fully weather-sealed. Key pros include a comfortable, chunky grip and extensive controls. It provides dual UHS-II card slots for flexible storage. The battery lasts for an impressive 2,260 shots. Live-view offers fast 273-point autofocus with Eye-Detection. It shoots up to 12fps burst speed using the screen. A tilting touchscreen makes low-angle framing easy.

Nikon D780 The Nikon D780 is a highly refined hybrid camera that successfully blends state-of-the-art DSLR performance with modern mirrorless capabilities inherited from the Z6. Shifting from its predecessor (the D750), it brings massive internal upgrades including a 24MP BSI image sensor, an improved buffer capable of holding up to 100 shots, and exceptional battery life yielding over 2,000 shots per charge in DSLR mode. It shines brightest in low-light scenarios, where its dual-gain sensor delivers superior color integrity and dynamic range over the D750 at ISO 800 and above. Furthermore, its Live View mode converts the camera into an elite mirrorless machine, offering uncropped oversampled 4K video, 12 fps silent shooting, and highly accurate on-sensor phase-detect autofocus. Despite these stellar upgrades, the camera introduces a few notable drawbacks. On the downside, Nikon removed the built-in internal flash and completely eliminated support for an optional vertical battery grip, which limits the physical "system" customisation for certain shooters. From an ergonomics standpoint, the button layout compromises hand comfort due to the missing focus thumb stick and the awkwardly low placement of...

Ken Rockwell calls the Nikon D780 a significant upgrade that merges rapid DSLR responsiveness with advanced mirrorless capabilities, praising its superior image quality, exceptional high ISO performance, and phase-detection Live View autofocus. The camera is noted for its dual UHS-II SD card slots and full compatibility with older, non-CPU manual focus lenses. Ken Rockwell Key drawbacks highlighted include the removal of the built-in flash, the lack of a connection for a vertical battery grip, and an inconvenient, two-finger operated exposure mode lock button. Despite these limitations, Rockwell recommends it for users prioritizing an optical viewfinder and instant performance over mirrorless systems.

The DPReview hands-on analysis highlights the Nikon D780 as a hybrid successor to the D750, merging a traditional, rugged, weather-sealed DSLR body with Z6 mirrorless technology. Key advancements include a 24.5MP BSI sensor, a redesigned shutter allowing for 1/8000 sec speeds, and improved burst rates of 7 fps. Conversely, the review notes the omission of a built-in pop-up flash and the loss of support for dedicated vertical battery grips, which may deter some users. Additionally, the flash sync speed remains limited at 1/200 sec, and the camera, while a strong bridge between systems, represents a niche choice in the current mirrorless-driven market.

The Nikon D780 is a full-frame, 24.4-megapixel hybrid DSLR that successfully bridges the gap between traditional camera designs and modern mirrorless technology by incorporating the sensor and autofocus systems of the Nikon Z6. It features an Expeed 6 processor, dual UHS-II SD card slots, uncropped 4K video recording, and an impressive battery life of up to 2,260 shots. A major highlight is its dual autofocus capability, utilizing a trusted 51-point phase-detection system through the optical viewfinder and a much faster, 273-point hybrid system during live view mode. This hybrid approach enables the camera to jump from a standard 7fps continuous shooting speed up to 12fps when shooting silently in live view. The review highlights several distinct pros and cons for enthusiast and expert photographers. On the positive side, the camera offers chunky and highly satisfying physical handling, uncropped 4K video, exceptionally fast live view autofocus, and superior high-ISO noise performance and dynamic range when compared to its rivals. However, the D780 lacks the automatic viewfinder-to-screen switching found on mirrorless bodies, forcing users to manually swap to live view. It also...

Nikon D780 Review Summary The Nikon D780 is a highly versatile, full-frame DSLR that masterfully bridges the gap between traditional DSLR design and modern mirrorless technology. Retaining a robust, user-friendly body layout, it features a 24.5-megapixel sensor driven by the Expeed 6 image processor, delivering outstanding image quality and class-leading low-light performance with clean files up to ISO 6,400. Its standout upgrade is the introduction of a 273-point hybrid autofocus system in live view—borrowed from Nikon's Z-series mirrorless line—which provides highly accurate subject and face tracking. Furthermore, its video capabilities received a major overhaul, now capturing uncropped 4K video at up to 30fps alongside practical filmmaker tools like focus peaking and zebra striping. Despite its stellar performance, the D780 has a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Its primary downsides are the expensive launch price of £2,099 and a highly fiddly drive mode selector wheel that requires holding a locking button to change settings. Additionally, it removes the built-in pop-up flash found on its predecessor, lacks internal N-log recording (requiring an external monitor instead), and its rear display only...

The Nikon D780 is a 24.5MP full-frame DSLR that combines traditional handling with modern, mirrorless-style performance, offering an extremely robust build, exceptional low-noise image quality, and excellent battery life with USB-C charging. Its standout performance features include fast, accurate eye detection in live view and a reliable, versatile autofocus system. However, the camera lacks an AF assist lamp and a built-in flash, requiring external lighting for dark environments, and it omits a dedicated thumb joystick for focus point selection. Additional drawbacks noted in the review include the lack of portrait-grip contacts and a 4-way controller lock that can be accidentally disengaged.

The Nikon D780 is a robust full-frame SLR camera featuring a 24-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 6 image processor, specifically designed for traditional DSLR users reluctant to switch to mirrorless systems. The camera excels with its modern capabilities, boasting a 7fps burst shooting rate using the mechanical shutter and a faster 12fps continuous drive via an electronic shutter in Live View. Its updated Live View system incorporates on-sensor phase detection that brings fast, mirrorless-style autofocus performance directly to the tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Additional strong points include its highly durable, weather-sealed chassis, dual UHS-II SD card slots, 4K video recording with a flat profile, and exceptional battery life rated up to 2,260 shots alongside convenient in-camera USB-C charging. However, the D780 exhibits notable drawbacks that limit its value relative to its contemporary mirrorless rivals. When shooting through the optical viewfinder, its 51-point autofocus system suffers from a highly restricted coverage area bunched entirely within the central third of the frame. Crucially, the camera completely lacks in-body sensor stabilization, putting it at a disadvantage for handheld video and low-light...

The Nikon D780 is a versatile, enthusiast-level full-frame DSLR featuring a 24-megapixel dual-gain sensor that delivers exceptional RAW image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Its robust, weather-sealed body includes a tilting touchscreen, while the hybrid autofocus system provides reliable, responsive tracking during Live View. However, the camera is relatively heavy compared to modern mirrorless alternatives and lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), requiring lenses with optical stabilization. Furthermore, it lacks a built-in flash and exhibits differences in autofocus performance between the optical viewfinder and live view, according to the RTINGS evaluation.

In his review for Australian Photography, Doug Gimesy evaluates the Nikon D780 as a highly capable, full-frame DSLR that brings significant tech upgrades over its predecessor, the D750. Tested during professional wildlife and conservation assignments in bushfire-affected regions, the camera is praised for major pros, including a dramatically quieter shutter mechanism derived from the D850, which proves excellent for skittish wildlife. It also introduces a massive low-light performance boost up to ISO 51,200, an upgraded 2,359,000-dot LCD screen, an extended exposure duration of up to 900 seconds for landscapes, and an advanced 273-point hybrid autofocus system inherited from Nikon's mirrorless Z-series cameras. Video features also receive a modern overhaul, boasting uncropped 4K video capabilities at 30p and high-speed 1080p recording at 120 fps.