Nikon D780
Nikon · DSLR · 25 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon |
| Model | D780 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 12, 2020 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 144 x 116 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 850 g |
Optics77/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Nikon D780 scores an impressive 81/100, making it a strong contender in the DSLR market. It measures 144 x 116 x 76mm and weighs 850g (1.87lbs), making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performing camera. The D780’s specifications hold up well in today’s competitive market, providing users with a quality option for their photography needs. Nikon D780 Overview and OpticsThe Nikon D780 scores a 77/100 in optics. It features a 25-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Expeed 6 processor, and Nikon F lens mount. With a shooting speed of 12 frames per second, the camera captures high-quality images quickly. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 97, which shows that it performs well in the market. The camera’s sensor size and aspect ratio of 3:2 enable it to produce sharp and detailed images. Although it lacks image stabilization, the Nikon D780 still delivers excellent results in various shooting conditions. The Nikon F lens mount allows compatibility with a wide range of lenses, providing flexibility for photographers. The Nikon D780 is a strong contender in the market, offering reliable performance in optics. Its specifications ensure that it meets the demands of modern photography, making it a solid choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 25 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 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 90044080 |
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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Nikon D780 boasts a video score of 91/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities in this area. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring high-quality footage. Additionally, the D780 supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion shots and capturing fast-moving subjects with ease. A notable feature of the Nikon D780 is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external software or equipment. In the current market, the D780’s video specifications stand strong, providing users with the tools necessary to produce professional-grade video content. The Nikon D780’s video performance and features make it a top choice for photographers and videographers alike, offering versatility and quality that is highly competitive in today’s camera market. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  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 |
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 |
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. |  Yes |
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 |
Features87/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Nikon D780 boasts a feature score of 87/100, showcasing its excellent capabilities. With a 3.2-inch screen size and a resolution of 2,359,000 dots, the camera’s touchscreen provides crisp and clear visuals. The flip screen enhances user experience, making it convenient for various shooting angles. Though the D780 lacks GPS functionality, it compensates with WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to transfer images and control the camera remotely. These specifications make the Nikon D780 a competitive choice in the current market, especially for those seeking advanced features in a DSLR. The Nikon D780’s feature set confirms its strong standing in the camera market. Its high-resolution touchscreen, flip screen, and wireless connectivity options make it a reliable and user-friendly option for both amateur and professional photographers. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 23590001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery97/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Nikon D780 boasts a storage and battery score of 97/100, exhibiting excellent performance in this category. With two memory card slots, the camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, all of which are UHS-II compatible. This ensures ample storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds, meeting the demands of modern photographers. A remarkable feature of the D780 is its battery life, providing an impressive 2260 shots per charge. The camera utilizes an EN-EL15b battery, which is both reliable and efficient. Furthermore, the camera supports USB charging, adding convenience and flexibility for users on the go. Evaluating its storage and battery capabilities, the Nikon D780 undeniably excels in this department. Its dual memory card slots, compatible with high-performance cards, and an exceptional battery life make it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | EN-EL15b |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 2260 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |