Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D780 | Z5 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2020 | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
12/02/2020 | 21/07/2020 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 144 x 116 x 76 mm | 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm |
| Camera weight | 850 g | 675 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
25 MP050 | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6048 x 4024 | 6016 x 4016 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
23.9 x 35.9 | 23.9 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
12 fps045 | 4.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F | Nikon Z |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 6 | Expeed 6 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
512003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
2048003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
90044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
510300 | 2730300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 368640009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
120 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✗ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
23590001150001500000 | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL15b | EN-EL15c |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2260 shots1505000 | 470 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Nikon D780 edges out the Nikon Z5 with a score of 81/100 compared to 78/100. Both cameras were released in 2020, with the D780 being a DSLR and the Z5 a mirrorless camera. They share common features such as camera type and release year.
The D780 surpasses the Z5 in terms of score and launch price, costing $2299. With a larger size of 144 x 116 x 76mm and a weight of 850g, it offers superior performance for professional photographers.
On the other hand, the Z5 is a more affordable option at $1400, making it appealing to budget-conscious consumers. It is also lighter and more compact, with dimensions of 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm and a weight of 675g, providing convenience for those who prioritize portability.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D780 is the better choice for those seeking top-notch performance, while the Nikon Z5 caters to those who require a more budget-friendly and portable camera.
The Nikon Z5 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 81/100, while the Nikon D780 follows closely with a score of 77/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, an Expeed 6 processor, a DXOMARK score of 97 for the sensor, and a full-frame sensor size. Despite these similarities, each camera offers unique advantages.
The Nikon Z5’s superiority in optics is primarily due to its Nikon Z lens mount and built-in image stabilization. The Nikon Z lens mount allows for a wider range of lens compatibility, providing photographers with more flexibility and options when choosing lenses. Furthermore, the Z5’s image stabilization enables steadier shots, reducing the likelihood of blurred images caused by camera shake. These features make the Nikon Z5 a more versatile camera, particularly for photographers who require a stable shooting experience and greater lens variety.
On the other hand, the Nikon D780 possesses some advantages over the Z5, such as a higher megapixel count of 25 and a faster shooting speed of 12 frames per second. The increased megapixel count results in higher resolution images, which can be beneficial for photographers who need to capture fine details. Additionally, the faster shooting speed enables the D780 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively, making it a better option for action and sports photography.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon Z5’s superior optics, lens compatibility, and image stabilization make it a more versatile camera for a wide range of shooting situations. Meanwhile, the Nikon D780’s higher megapixel count and faster shooting speed may appeal to photographers who prioritize image resolution and action photography. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Nikon D780 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, scoring 91 out of 100 points, while the Nikon Z5 falls slightly behind with a score of 83 points. Both cameras share common specifications, such as 4K maximum video resolution and dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Additionally, they both have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The D780 surpasses the Z5 in terms of its maximum video frame rate, offering 120fps compared to the Z5’s 60fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother slow-motion footage and provides more flexibility in post-production. The D780’s superior frame rate makes it a more suitable choice for videographers who require advanced video capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z5 still performs well in the video department, but it does not provide any significant advantages over the D780. The Z5’s 60fps frame rate is sufficient for most casual users and general video recording purposes. However, it may not be the ideal choice for professional videographers who require higher frame rates.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D780 proves to be the better option for those who prioritize video performance. Its higher frame rate allows for more versatile and professional-quality footage. Meanwhile, the Nikon Z5 is a reliable camera for casual users and general video recording, but it lacks the advanced capabilities offered by the D780.
The Nikon D780 emerges as the winner in the feature comparison with a score of 87/100, while the Nikon Z5 scores 72/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. Despite these similarities, the D780 surpasses the Z5 in specific areas, making it the superior camera in terms of features.
The D780’s screen resolution is significantly higher at 2,359,000 dots compared to the Z5’s 1,040,000 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display on the D780, providing a better user experience while navigating menus and reviewing images. The higher screen resolution is a major contributor to the D780’s higher feature score.
While the Z5 does not outperform the D780 in any specific feature, it still offers a solid set of specifications. Its feature score of 72/100 indicates that the camera is a decent choice for photographers who value the shared features between the two models. However, the lower screen resolution is a drawback for those who prioritize image clarity on the camera’s display.
Comparing the Nikon D780 and Nikon Z5, it is evident that the D780 offers superior features, particularly in screen resolution. This advantage contributes to its higher feature score and overall better performance. The Z5, while not as strong in features, remains a viable option for those who find the shared specifications satisfactory. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s priorities and preferences in a camera’s features.
The Nikon D780 triumphs over the Nikon Z5 in storage and battery with a score of 97/100, compared to the Z5’s 73/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots and compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II) memory cards. Additionally, both cameras have USB charging capabilities.
The D780 outperforms the Z5 significantly in battery life, offering an impressive 2260 shots per charge. It uses the EN-EL15b battery type, contributing to its longer-lasting performance. In contrast, the Z5 falls short with only 470 shots per charge, using the EN-EL15c battery type.
Despite the Z5’s lower score, it still provides ample storage and battery capabilities for most photographers. However, the D780 is the clear winner for those seeking longer battery life and more efficient storage management.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D780 or the Nikon Z5: