If you want a DSLR, the full-frame Nikon D780 from Buydig.com may be the one to buy. The follow-up to 2014’s popular D750, the D780 is Nikon’s first DSLR to include on-chip phase-detection autofocus. But do you want a DSLR? It’s a balanced camera with strong performance and great image quality. But would you choose it over the smaller, lighter, and cheaper Nikon Z6, the D780’s mirrorless counterpart? Some of the Nikon D780 specs just may pull you back to the DSLR side. The Nikon D780 specs include numerous features focusing on processing and electronics. This enables phase-detection autofocus in live view, along with face- and eye-tracking. We’re going to help you compare the Nikon D780 specs to a few of the other top cameras from Nikon.
D780 vs D850
The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D850 are two digital cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. Both have a crop factor of 1.0. Within the spectrum of full frame sensor size, this places the cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. The D780 has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels, whereas the D850 provides 45.4 MP. The Nikon D850 is 8% larger than the Nikon D780, and 20% heavier than the D780. Both cameras feature the same lens mount, so they can use the same lenses. The power pack in the D780 can be charged via the USB port, so it’s not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling. The D780 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D850 (EXPEED 5), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed. The D780 and the D850 both have an optical viewfinder. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D850 has a higher magnification than the D780. The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D850 both have an interval meter built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.
D780 vs D750
Now that Nikon has released the D780, a lot of photographers are wondering just how it compares to the earlier Nikon D750 from Buydig.com. Certainly, the two cameras share a lot of DNA– but the Nikon D780 has a lot of little differences that add up to make a more advanced camera overall. Two of the biggest specifications, pixel count and focusing system, remain the same. However, the D780’s sensor is actually significantly improved. It is a backside illuminated sensor with dual gain ISO, unlike the D750. In terms of focusing, the Nikon D780 autofocus is inherited from the flagship D5. It also has a more advanced metering system than the D750, which helps track moving subjects in difficult conditions. The other differences are where the D780 really shines. It has much better video specifications than the D750, and rapid-fire 12 FPS shooting. The D780 allows shutter speeds of up to 900 seconds in manual mode. Other upgrades on the D780 include focus shift shooting, touchscreen capabilities, and a longer battery life of 2260 versus 1230 shots per charge. 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, you may still consider the D750.
D780 vs D500
We can expect this to be a close match up because both models are ranked among the best in Semi-Pro DSLR cameras. Nikon D780 has a 25.0MP full frame sensor whereas Nikon D500 has a 21.0MP APS-C sensor. Size and weight is a big decision factor when you’re trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. Nikon D780 is 3mm narrower and 5mm thinner than Nikon D500 but it is also 1mm taller. Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon D780 is 20g lighter than the Nikon D500. Weight isn’t the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you’ll be using with these bodies. Since Nikon D780 has a full frame sensor and Nikon D500 has a smaller APS-C sensor, Nikon D500’s lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will generally be lighter and smaller. Nikon D780 has a 25.0MP full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. Nikon D500 has a 21.0MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 5 processor. One other difference between these two cameras is that Nikon D500’s sensor doesn’t have an anti-alias, low-pass filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of more occurring in certain scenes. Nikon D780 scores higher than the Nikon D500 thanks to its better general imaging quality, compact size and higher value for the money. On the other hand, Nikon D500 has some extra features which may become a game changer if you have some specific requirements.
D780 vs Z6
Here we’re comparing two Nikon cameras cameras with different body types: The semi-pro Nikon D780 vs the Pro Mirrorless Nikon Z6. Despite some fundamental differences of these two body types, mirrorless cameras are becoming serious alternatives to DSLR cameras thanks to their size/weight advantages and recent improvements in their focus speeds. When comparing DSLR vs mirrorless, Nikon Z6 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 10mm narrower, 15mm shorter and 8mm thinner than Nikon D780. Nikon Z6 is significantly lighter than the Nikon D780 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips. Both D780 and Z6 have weather sealing in their body, making them resistant to water and dust. Comparing DSLR vs mirrorless, both LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.2″. Both Nikon D780 and Nikon Z6 have full frame sized 25.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution isn’t a differentiator when comparing this DSLR vs mirrorless. They’ll provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. Comparing DSLR vs mirrorless available lenses, Nikon D780 has an advantage over Nikon Z6. There are 305 lenses for Nikon D780’s Nikon F mount, and only 15 lenses for Nikon Z6’s Nikon Z lens mount. Another important factor when comparing DSLR vs mirrorless is the availability of image stabilization. Nikon Z6 has a big advantage in this regard because it has a sensor based image stabilization, meaning that all the lenses mounted to this body will be stabilized. Nikon Z6 has more features, more compact body and offers higher value for the money. But there’s one area that Z6 trails behind the D780: Imaging. If image quality’s the most important aspect in a camera, choose the Nikon D780.
The D780 is a creator’s dream come true. As the successor to the D750, it’s a serious upgrade in terms of speed, image processing, video capability, autofocus performance and so much more. Use these comparisons to help you make the right choice between the Nikon D780 vs D850 vs D750 vs D500 vs Z6.
Leave a Reply