The Nikon D780 DSLR is the long-awaited successor to the widely popular and proven Nikon D750, which was launched back in 2014 ($1500 on Bhphotovideo and Amazon). The new one comes in a familiar design. As far as the specifications are concerned, some things have remained the same, whereas the overall performance has been increased. Like its predecessor, the D780 is satisfied with a 24MP BSI-CMOS sensor in the popular 35mm full format (according to Nikon FX-format) and inexpensive SD memory cards in a useful dual slot.

The burst speed has increased to 7 fps in DSLR mode (D750: 6.5 fps) and even reaches 12 fps in electronic mode in Live View. The ISO values ​​now regularly range up to ISO 51,200 (D750: 12,800) and extended to ISO 204,000 (D750: 51,200). The camera is now also filming in up to 4K UHD (30p, whereby video recording in 10bit is possible externally. The D780 shines with fast phase AF of a DSLR and also with strong hybrid AF in live view and video mode Eye AF.

The robust Nikon D780 offers a fast hybrid AF system, especially for photos in live view mode and for video recordings as well as the typical fast SLR, powerful autofocus system with phase detection including 51 measuring fields for the photos through the optical viewfinder. When shooting in live view, photographers and filmmakers benefit from the same AF system that is used with the mirrorless camera Nikon Z 6. Faces can be captured sharply with the eye AF and the autofocus with little light ensures reliable subject recognition up to a light value of -6 EV (D750: -3 EV). Photographers who use the optical viewfinder benefit from subject tracking and the quick switch between advanced AF modes.

Thanks to high serial frame rates, this camera is even more versatile: it offers up to 7 frames / s when taking pictures with an optical reflex viewfinder and up to 12 frames / s in silent shutter mode for live view recordings – both with tracked exposure metering and AF. This is supported by the fastest shutter speed of 1/8000 s, which allows fast-moving subjects to be captured sharply. If the exposure time is extended to up to 900 seconds, fascinating light trails and night landscapes come into their own.

Videographers can record high-quality footage with the D780. With the image sensor and its resolution of 24MP or 6K, the camera generates 4K UHD video material at 30p / 25p / 24p and this without crop (reading out the entire sensor size/width). Videographers can also record HLG-HDR footage with high information density on an external video recorder and display it directly on a compatible television or monitor.

Nikon D780 Features

Fast phase AF : The fast autofocus system with phase detection and the 51-point AF system is paired with an enhanced AF algorithm that offers a sensitivity of up to -3 EV. In addition, photographers benefit from top-class subject tracking and a quick switch between advanced AF modes.

: The fast autofocus system with phase detection and the 51-point AF system is paired with an enhanced AF algorithm that offers a sensitivity of up to -3 EV. In addition, photographers benefit from top-class subject tracking and a quick switch between advanced AF modes. AF in live view : The hybrid AF system with a 273 points focal plane works with a sensitivity of up to -4 EV or in the Autofocus with little light mode up to -6 EV (with a lens with a light intensity of 1:2 or higher). Eye AF is available for taking photos.

: The hybrid AF system with a 273 points focal plane works with a sensitivity of up to -4 EV or in the Autofocus with little light mode up to -6 EV (with a lens with a light intensity of 1:2 or higher). Eye AF is available for taking photos. Shooting with up to 12 fps : As a DSLR, you can shoot up to 7 frames / s in SLR mode with AF / AE. In Live View mode, up to 12 frames / s are possible in the “Silent Live View” mode. Recordings in raw NEF format are also recorded in full resolution.

: As a DSLR, you can shoot up to 7 frames / s in SLR mode with AF / AE. In Live View mode, up to 12 frames / s are possible in the “Silent Live View” mode. Recordings in raw NEF format are also recorded in full resolution. Optical viewfinder (SLR) : The optical viewfinder or single-lens reflex viewfinder (SLR) has a magnification factor of 0.70 and offers a large field of view with a coverage of 100%.

: The optical viewfinder or single-lens reflex viewfinder (SLR) has a magnification factor of 0.70 and offers a large field of view with a coverage of 100%. Tiltable touchscreen : The tiltable LCD monitor with 2.359 million pixels enables both the operation of the autofocus and the capturing using the touch function.

: The tiltable LCD monitor with 2.359 million pixels enables both the operation of the autofocus and the capturing using the touch function. First-class picture quality : Compatible with F bayonet lenses. CMOS full format sensor with 24.5 Mpx. Image processor EXPEED 6. RGB sensor with 180,000 pixels and Focus Shift feature adopted from the D850.

: Compatible with F bayonet lenses. CMOS full format sensor with 24.5 Mpx. Image processor EXPEED 6. RGB sensor with 180,000 pixels and Focus Shift feature adopted from the D850. Wide ISO range : The D780 offers a wide ISO range than the D850 and anyway as its predecessor F750. The range extends from ISO 100 to 51,200 and can be expanded to up to 204,800 and ISO 50.

: The D780 offers a wide ISO range than the D850 and anyway as its predecessor F750. The range extends from ISO 100 to 51,200 and can be expanded to up to 204,800 and ISO 50. Full-Frame Videos : High-resolution 4K UHD video can be recorded in 30p / 25p / 24p without cropping.

: High-resolution 4K UHD video can be recorded in 30p / 25p / 24p without cropping. Flexible workflow : The D780 offers 10-bit output with N-Log5 or HDR (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support, raising the bar for video functionality and flexibility in post-production.

: The D780 offers 10-bit output with N-Log5 or HDR (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support, raising the bar for video functionality and flexibility in post-production. Wireless image transfer via SnapBridge : With the high-speed function of the camera for data transfer and wireless connectivity, images can be transferred very easily. Nikon’s SnapBridge allows users to share JPEGs and raw files on any smart device.

: With the high-speed function of the camera for data transfer and wireless connectivity, images can be transferred very easily. Nikon’s SnapBridge allows users to share JPEGs and raw files on any smart device. Dual SD slot: Thanks to dual SD card slots, the storage capacity can be expanded or the second card used as an in-camera backup.

Price and availability

The Nikon D780 is available for pre-order at $2,296.95 for the body only, and with a 24-120mm lens kit for $2,796.95 at Bhphotovideo.com. It is expected to be available in stores from the end of January 24th, 2020.