Nikon D780 system camera

Nikon D780

Nikon's latest semi-professional system camera combines the best features of mirrorless and mirrorless cameras. If you like the feel and ergonomics of DSLRs and the optical viewfinder, but also want the great video and focusing capabilities of mirrorless cameras, then Nikon D780 the right choice. In a nutshell, the new camera is an improved version in all areas About the Nikon D750, one of Nikon's most popular cameras of all time.

Video evidence

I wonder if this is the first Nikon mirrorless camera with really commendable video capabilities? The Nikon Z6 and Z7 started down this path and now the technology has been brought to traditional cameras. The fast readout BSI sensor pushes 4K video at 30 frames per second and is capable of up to 120 frames per second at FullHD resolution. Nikon's cutting-edge dynamics are also put to good use in video with the built-in N-Log gamma and HLG settings. Video can be saved to a memory card, or pushed directly via HDMI to an external recorder. The video can be stabilised naturally with lens vibration damping, and the camera's built-in electronic stabilisation. The autofocus has finally got behind the phase detect dots and follows the subject as you'd expect. The system has 273 hybrid focus points and also includes the all-important eye focus. To aid manual focus and exposure, the camera features focus peaking and zebra stripes.

A good old mirrorless camera

For many, the Nikon D780's most important feature is the all too familiar and excellent ergonomics, combined with easy-to-use menus and an optical viewfinder. The 0.7x pentaprism viewfinder is large and comfortable to use, even with glasses. The grip is known to be excellent and all the buttons are in sensible places. The camera can take 7 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 12 frames with the electronic shutter (12 bit). The focus module is the Multi-CAM 3500 II with 51 focus points and capable of focusing down to -3EV. 15 of the points are crossed and work with f/8 lenses. However, thanks to this hybrid camera you can also switch to the liveview side and focus at -4EV. 3D tracking, familiar from Nikon and very well proven, is included, and a great addition for sports and bird photographers.

Image quality

The Nikon D780 features a new 24.5 megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 processor. The upgrades have improved dynamics and reduced noise compared to the previous model. ISO sensitivity is natively 100 - 51200 and can be extended to the 50 - 204800 range.

D780 vs D750 main differences

• Significantly better video quality
• Faster continuous shooting (7/12 vs 6.5 fps)
• Faster shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/4000)
• Shockingly improved liveview focus (PDAF)
• Touch screen
• Dual UHS-II card slot
• Snapbridge Bluetooth
• Better colour definition with new RGB measurement