Blog Discover the Superiority of Nikon D780 for Outstanding PhotographyBlog

The Nikon D780 camera is a powerful, versatile, and reliable device that allows users to capture exceptional and high-quality photos and videos. With its advanced features and functions, the D780 is the perfect device for photographers who want an exceptional camera experience.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D780 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 07 2020

Announced

25 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight840g
MSRP$2299USD

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Overview of the D780

Photography is an art. You don't just capture an image; you evoke a feeling, tell a story, and create an emotion. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, the Nikon D780 camera is the ultimate choice for capturing moments in an outstanding way. With its exceptional features and powerful functions, the Nikon D780 is the perfect camera for serious photographers who desire the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos. In this blog, we will go through the benefits of using the Nikon D780 and how it ranks among the best cameras in the market.

Nikon D780 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D780 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor
Fast autofocus
Accurate color reproduction
High ISO performance
Wide dynamic range
Dual memory card slots
High-speed continuous shooting
Excellent video capabilities
In-camera time-lapse feature
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

Expensive
Heavy and bulky
Limited touchscreen functionality
No built-in flash
Limited battery life
Limited buffer depth when shooting in RAW
Only one SD card slot supports high-speed UHS-II cards
Only one cross-type autofocus point when shooting through the viewfinder

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D780

Weather sealed
Dimensions144 x 116 x 76mm
Weight840g
Thickness76mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon D780 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the D780 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution2,359k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 2,359k dots. This makes the Nikon D780 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

D780 includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.7x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D780 has a 25MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 25 pixels. Nikon D780 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50 - 204800. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 07 2020

Announced

100 - 51200

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 204800
Max resolution6048 x 4024 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D780 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D780 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageDual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
Battery Life2260 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL15b
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D780 supports Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Nikon D780 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Nikon D780 uses the EN-EL15b model of battery pack. This is rated for 2260 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D780 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D780 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D780 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 51 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D780?

The Nikon D780 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon D780 weather sealed?

Yes the D780 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D780 announced?

The Nikon D780 was announced on Jan 07 2020

Does the Nikon D780 have in-body image stabilization?

No the D780 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D780?

The D780 has a native ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to ISO 50-204800 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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