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Posts Tagged ‘D780’

Hands on with the Nikon D780

16 Jan

Introduction

At long last, it’s here – the Nikon D780, successor to the D750 that was released more than five years ago. At the time, we considered the D750 as one of the most well-rounded digital cameras ever made, and it remains highly capable even today. So, to put it lightly, the new model has some big shoes to fill.

We’ve just received a full-production D780 and have gotten a start on our full review. As we work through our testing, we figured we’d take a look at the D780’s design, handling, and some of its high-level updates.

New BSI sensor

The heart of any digital camera is its sensor, and the unit in the D780 looks to be a good one. With 24MP, it’s not a megapixel monster, but should offer enough resolution for most users and most use cases. It’s now backside-illuminated, which is nice to have but doesn’t offer the same image quality benefits on large, full-frame sensors as it does on smaller ones. No, the real news is that it’s a dual-gain design. This means that, at the lowest ISO values, you can get maximum dynamic range out of the sensor, while higher ISO values give you better noise performance.

The sensor is also capable of 4K video, and the D780 can shoot silent bursts at up to 12 fps. We’ll be taking a look at rolling shutter as we push through our full review.

New shutter and mirror mechanism

Being a DSLR, a mirror sits in front of the sensor most of the time and redirects light up to an optical viewfinder. The D780’s sensor and mirror mechanism have been redesigned, boosting burst speeds modestly up to 7 fps from 6.5. The redesigns also enable a minimum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 sec (the D750 could only reach 1/4000 sec). Unfortunately, the flash sync speed remains at 1/200 sec; many competing high-end models can reach 1/250 sec or even 1/320 sec.

And, speaking of flash…

Removal of pop-up flash and top-plate design

That’s right, Nikon’s removed the built-in pop-up flash that was on the previous model. While Nikon says this makes it easier to weather-seal the D780 to a higher degree, it also means that you no longer have that built-in flash for some quick fill-light when you need it. For strobists, the removal of the flash also means that you need a separate dedicated transmitter (or another speedlight) to wirelessly control Nikon’s speedlights using its Creative Lighting System.

On the top plate, we see an LCD info panel that is about the same as you’d see on the D750. There’s been some button shuffling, though; gone on the right side by the power switch is the dedicated metering button, though an ISO button has been added. Lastly, the mode dial has been simplified with fewer options.

Rear design and controls

While the rear of the camera might look familiar, there are a few substantive changes. There’s the addition of a dedicated AF-ON button, and the relocation of the live view and stills / video switch to the top of the plate near the viewfinder for easier access. The ‘i’ and INFO buttons have swapped sides of the camera as well, so if you pick up a D780 and are a long time D750 user, prepare to reprogram your muscle memory just a bit.

Oh, and if you’ve ever lost your Nikon DK-21 eyecup for your D750, we have some good news – it seems like the DK-31 eyecup for the D780 is attached a bit more securely, and we haven’t lost ours (yet).

Optical viewfinder and autofocus system

And so, despite the bit of button shuffling, it looks like much of Nikon’s mantra with the D780 was ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ In that vein, the optical viewfinder is identical to the previous model’s: same pentaprism design, 0.7x magnification, and autofocus layout with 51 points clustered around the center of the frame.

Indeed, after our experience with ever-more-capable mirrorless cameras over the past five years, we’re starting to find the spread of DSLR autofocus points a bit constricting. But hey – if you’ve been using a D750 for the past five years, well, at least it’ll be familiar, if not a huge upgrade.

All that said, you can expect at least an increase in accuracy and tracking performance, courtesy of an upgraded 180k-pixel metering sensor and AF algorithms derived from the D5 sports camera. We’ll be digging into these in our full review to find out just how significant these updates are.

Rear touchscreen and live view

The D780 retains a similar tilting screen mechanism that its predecessor had – and I have to be honest, when I first used a D750 professionally, I was pretty stoked at tilting the screen out and not having to lay down on my stomach in the dirt for low angle shots. But I digress.

In consideration of all the D780 offers, this is where the most significant updates lie. Sure, the screen has been updated to 2.36M dots (up from 1.23M), and offers touch functionality for shooting, playback and menus. But the real story is that once you switch the D780 into live view, you effectively have a bulkier, F-mount Nikon Z6 in your hands.

You get the Z6’s 273 on-sensor phase-detection AF points (compared to the slow, ‘hunty’ contrast detection of the D750) and the same AF tap-to-track functionality for both stills and video. And speaking of video, the D780 is capable of 4K video, which we’d wager will look an awful lot like what the Z6 is capable of (in other words, pretty darn good).

The one gripe we have with the touchscreen is that you can’t drag your finger across it with your eye to the viewfinder to move your AF point around (and this was included on Nikon’s D5600 DSLR as well as countless mirrorless models from other manufacturers).

Dual UHS-II SD card slots

Moving on, we can see that the Nikon has resisted moving the D780 to the XQD format seen on Nikon’s Z-mount cameras, instead offering dual UHS-II SD card slots (an upgrade from the UHS-I slots on the D750). Whether you prefer the more ubiquitous SD card format or not, at least we can breathe a collective sigh of relief that there will be somewhat fewer “NO DUAL CARD SLOTS NO BUY NOT PROFESSIONAL GRR” comments floating around the internet.*

And while we haven’t yet tested the buffer depth of the D780, it was a bit limited on the D750, and was regarded as one of that camera’s weak points. We’re hopeful that the faster slots on the D780 will enable longer burst-shooting for sports and action photographers.

*(In all seriousness, the D750 made for a great wedding camera, which is a use-case where dual card slots have an obvious benefit – we’re happy the D780 continues to offer them.)

Battery, no grip

One area that has generated a barrage of bilious bloviating is the D780’s apparent lack of compatibility with an add-on vertical grip. The bottom-plate of the camera is where we would usually see a small rubberized door hiding some electrical contacts that enable the camera to use additional controls present on most vertical battery grips. Without those, the most we can hope for is a grip like this one for the Z series, which boosts battery life but doesn’t do much else.

At the very least, the D780 is CIPA rated to 2260 shots through the optical finder on a single EN-EL15b battery, which is over than a thousand shots more than the D750 could manage. That’s pretty impressive.

Ports and connectivity

Further related to battery life, the D780 gains a USB Type C port, which can also charge the camera if you have the EN-EL15b battery installed. The previous EN-EL15a and EN-EL15 batteries will power the camera, but they cannot be charged over USB. It should also allow for faster data transfers, as well as better tethering support.

In terms of wireless data transfers, the D780 now supports Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi using Nikon’s SnapBridge wireless system. It’s become quite a capable system and is a far cry from the original WMU mobile app that users had to contend with on the D750.

There’s also a mini HDMI port, which supports 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video output (just like the Nikon Z6), as well as a remote port and microphone and headphone ports. If you have a stabilized lens, a gimbal or plan to use a tripod a lot, the D780 should make for a pretty capable DSLR video rig.

The wrap

By now it should be apparent that, in creating the D780, Nikon has chosen not to mess with the basics of what made the D750 a great camera. We still have a reasonably compact DSLR body with a comfortable grip and well-sorted ergonomics, burst shooting that is likely fast enough for most people, and what is looking to be a really capable viewfinder autofocus system. With the addition of 4K video, a smoother live view experience, a touchscreen and better wireless connectivity, they’ve only really updated the things that really needed updating.

Does that make the D780 a particularly exciting camera? I suspect it will be pretty exciting for a fairly small subset of users (particularly those with large collections of F-mount lenses). But it does help guarantee that, just like the D750, the D780 will likely remain relevant as a reliable workhorse for pros and enthusiasts for many years to come.

And if you’re a D750 user that still can’t decide whether or not to upgrade, watch this space – we’ll be publishing an article dedicated to just that very soon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon has Announced the D780, an Update to the Hugely Popular D750

09 Jan

The post Nikon has Announced the D780, an Update to the Hugely Popular D750 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

nikon-d780-announced

If you’re an enthusiast photographer wedded to your Nikon DSLR, then you’re in luck.

Because Nikon has just announced a new DSLR, dropping at the end of January:

The D780.

The Nikon D780 comes as a long-awaited upgrade to the Nikon D750, a powerhouse camera that packed a full-frame sensor into an affordable body. The D750 offered full HD video at 60p, excellent low light performance, impressive autofocus, dual card slots, and a tilting LCD, features that won over a slew of photographers back in 2014.

But can the Nikon D780 build off of the D750’s success? And what can a new midrange DSLR offer in a world where DSLRs are becoming less and less valued?

In some ways, the D780 doesn’t seem like a big step up from the D750; it offers a full-frame sensor with 24.5 megapixels (compared to the D750’s 24.3-megapixel sensor), a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type points (specs that are identical to the D750’s AF system, though the D780 packs the D5’s focusing algorithm), and 7 frames-per-second shooting (compared to the 6.5 fps on the D750).

But in other ways, the D780 more than lives up to expectations. While the megapixel count is nearly identical to the D750’s, the sensor itself is borrowed from the Z6, one of Nikon’s two full-frame mirrorless offerings, and an impressive camera in its own right. This means we can expect a jump in ISO performance, which should excite Nikonians who often find themselves shooting in low light.

We can also expect significantly improved Live View autofocus, given that Nikon has imported the D780’s 278-point Live View AF straight from the Z6.

Nikon has Announced the D780, an Update to the Hugely Popular D750

Not to mention the enhanced video performance on the D780: with 4K video at 30p with a full pixel readout, full HD video at 120p and 60p, and features such as focus peaking, this is the most powerful Nikon DSLR for videographers to date.

So if you’re an enthusiast photographer who is looking to upgrade to full-frame, or you’re simply looking for a great full-frame option, then the Nikon D780 is worth a look.

It will begin shipping at the end of January for $ 2300 USD (or $ 2800 with a Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G lens).

The post Nikon has Announced the D780, an Update to the Hugely Popular D750 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Nikon’s new D780 is a Z6 in a familiar DSLR body

07 Jan

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The announcement of Nikon’s new D780 demonstrates that the company hasn’t given up on DSLRs just yet. The successor to the D750 (which Nikon says is its best-selling full-frame camera) borrows heavily from the Z6 mirrorless camera, with a few things from the D5 as well.

The D780 features a 24.5MP BSI-CMOS sensor – likely the same as in the Z6 – which features on-sensor phase detection. That means that in live view you’ll get dramatically improved autofocus compared to previous Nikon DSLRs, plus face and eye detection. When shooting through the viewfinder you’ll have a 51-point AF system backed with the higher-resolution metering sensor and algorithms from the D5.

Burst shooting with continuous AF tops out at 7 fps, though it can hit 12 fps in live view silent shutter mode (when shooting 12-bit Raw files). The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 sec, with an x-sync of 1/200 sec.

On the video side, the D780 can capture UHD 4K video at 30p with full-pixel readout. It supports 10-bit N-Log and HLG HDR output, and offers zebra stripes, focus peaking and more.

Lastly, there’s the body, which offers some nice improvements. It now sports a 3.2″ tilting touchscreen, a USB Type C port with in-camera charging and twin SD card slots that support UHS-II media. As before, the D780 is rugged and weather-sealed.

The Nikon D780 will be available later this month for $ 2299 body only and $ 2799 with the 24-120mm F4G ED VR lens.

Official sample photos

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Press Release

VERSATILITY MEETS AGILITY: THE D780 IS A NEW KIND OF DSLR FOR A NEW BREED OF CREATOR

The New Nikon D780 Will Exceed Expectations with the Ultimate Combination of Speed, Powerful Performance and Premium Features at an Uncompromising Value

LAS VEGAS – CES 2020, BOOTH #14018 (January 6, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. ET / 6:00 P.M. PT) Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled the D780, an exciting new FX-format DSLR that makes vast improvements to the highly-revered D750, Nikon’s most popular full-frame DSLR ever, while inheriting pro-level features from the powerful D850 and flagship D5. The much-anticipated D780 delivers the most sought-after features to give enthusiasts and professionals an agile camera for capturing high-resolution photos and 4K UHD video with the added benefit of fast, accurate phase detect autofocusing. While the D780 retains the rugged reliability of its predecessor, the camera has been turbocharged with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 6 processor, touch operability, advanced autofocus capabilities, extensive video features, a valuable assortment of in-camera creative options and much more. The new D780 is more than a worthy successor to the beloved D750, it’s a proven performer that transcends any creative endeavor.

Nikon cameras and lenses are world-renowned for their usability, reliability, performance and impressive image quality. With the addition of the innovative new Z mirrorless system, together with a robust and proven lineup of DSLR’s and decades of the finest NIKKOR lenses, Nikon is uniquely positioned to fulfill customer’s needs no matter how they want to capture still images or video.

“The Nikon D780 is not only a huge leap in technology over the D750, but it also integrates Nikon’s latest cutting-edge technologies to offer the best video feature-set and imaging capabilities in a full-frame DSLR,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President of Nikon Inc. “A demand exists for a successor to the D750, which offers the unbeatable combination of versatility, image quality and value.”

Perform Beyond Expectations

The Nikon D780 sets a new benchmark in DSLR performance, vastly improving upon the capabilities of the D750 by incorporating the newest technology and some of the popular features seen in the Z series, making it powerful and versatile enough to capture anything from fast-action sports to beautifully detailed night skies. The D780 is a seriously capable camera and offers the distinct advantage of being comfortable in the hands of a photo enthusiast, as well as being a popular pro-grade tool for weddings, wildlife, and production environments.

  • High Resolution Image Quality: Offering the optimal balance between resolution and file size, the D780 is equipped with a 24.5-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) FX-Format CMOS sensor to deliver superb image quality, fantastic dynamic range, beautiful color reproduction, stellar low-light ability and sharp clarity to excel in a wide array of shooting scenarios.
  • EXPEED 6 Processing Power: Designed with Nikon’s most advanced EXPEED 6 image processor, the D780 is packed with the same powerful processing engine as the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, allowing for noticeable increases in speed. In addition to greater energy efficiency, EXPEED 6 delivers improved low-light performance, 4K UHD full-frame video with full pixel readout, and enhanced image clarity.
  • Wide ISO Range: The D780 retains the low-light ability that made it a photographer’s favorite for wedding receptions and nighttime photography, producing clean files with minimal noise effortlessly. Whether capturing a dimly lit dance floor, a stage performance or an astounding astro-landscape, users can rely on the D780 to retain ultimate clarity in even the most challenging lighting scenarios. The camera offers improved ISO performance across the entire range, which now goes up to 51,200 and is expandable to 204,800.
  • Blazing-fast speeds: The D780 keeps pace with the fastest action, offering shooting speeds of up to 7 fps1 at full resolution and shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 or as long as 900 seconds2. Whether shooting the split-second action of motocross, or a bride’s walk down the aisle, the D780 lets you capture content with confidence when you only get one chance.
  • Two Powerful AF Systems Optimized for Any Shooting Style:
    • When shooting through the optical viewfinder (OVF): Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system is paired with an enhanced AF algorithm inherited from the flagship Nikon D5. 15 cross-type AF sensors maximize accuracy, and the camera uses an upgraded 180K-pixel Advanced Scene Recognition System, which analyzes the scene to ensure balanced exposures and accurate color reproduction. The AF system can reliably track rapidly moving subjects such as wildlife, yet also improves on its surreal ability to nail focus in challenging light, to -4EV in this mode.
    • In Live View: For the first time in a Nikon DSLR, the D780 is infused with mirrorless technology, featuring the same 2733 point focal plane Hybrid AF system employed in the Nikon Z 6, enabling broad coverage of approximately 90% of the frame. The system offers extremely fast, smooth and accurate AF in Live View and when recording video, a huge benefit for multimedia production. This is also Nikon’s first DSLR to feature Eye-Detection AF4, enabling a real-time tracking of multiple eyes in a scene to help ensure tack-sharp focus for portraits and candid shots.
  • Silent Shooting: When operating the electronic shutter in Live View, the D780 can shoot continuously without shutter noise at up to 12 fps. Silent shooting is ideal for documenting sensitive moments like a live performance, a wedding ceremony or discrete street photography.
  • NIKKOR Lenses: When combined with an extensive catalog of world renowned NIKKOR lenses, the versatile D780 knows no boundaries in taking on any artistic challenge.

Video Features for Creators

The D780 delivers the best video capabilities of any Nikon DSLR, incorporating technology found in the Nikon Z 6 mirrorless camera.

  • Full-Frame 4K video at 30 fps: Incorporating an FX-format BSI sensor and on-sensor phase detect AF, the D780 is capable of similar video capture functions of the Nikon Z 6, capturing full-frame 4K UHD video at 30 fps with full-pixel readout for absolute quality. A variety of other frame rates and resolutions is also selectable, including Full HD/120p for ultra-smooth motion in videos and epic slow-motion capture.
  • 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.
  • Advanced Cinematic Functions: Users can enjoy more creative freedom when capturing video with the D780 thanks to its host of advanced shooting modes, including focus peaking, highlight display (zebra stripes), interval timer and in-camera time-lapse movie file recording.

Advanced Creative Features

The D780 sports an innovative and useful feature-set that empowers professionals to explore their creative potential by affording a more efficient workflow coupled with unique effects.

  • In-Camera Creative Filters: With a wide-array of in-camera Creative Picture Controls and a Special Effects Mode, the D780 enables users to effortlessly add elements of personal flare to their photos and videos. Additionally, many of these popular special effects can be captured as a JPEG while simultaneously shooting an unaffected RAW image for more editing freedom.
  • Focus Stacking: Like the D850, the D780’s Focus Shift feature will appeal to macro, product and landscape photographers seeking extreme depth-of-field, by enabling the user to capture a series of shots at different focus distances and use third party software to generate a highly-defined image consisting of only the areas in focus.
  • More Flexibility with Multiple Exposures: New to the D780 is the ability to create a multiple exposure with non-consecutively shot images, giving photographers the capacity to superimpose images in-camera, even when captured from two entirely different locations and times.
  • Easy Wi-Fi6 and Bluetooth7 Connectivity: The D780 offers seamless image-sharing to a smartphone or tablet when connected to the Nikon SnapBridge8 app using the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With the latest SnapBridge app, it’s easy to download videos, RAW files or remotely control a camera from your phone or tablet.

Built Like a Nikon

  • New Touch Operability: Like the Nikon D850, the new D780 features a bright, tilting 3.2-inch LCD enhanced with touch operability to provide a more optimal user-experience.
  • Robust Design: Sporting a durable build with extensive weather-sealing, the D780 retains its role as a reliable tool to handle unpredictable conditions when working in the field.
  • Energy-Saving Performance: The D780 can capture 2,260 shots on single charge** which is a significant increase in battery life compared to the D750, making it the ideal companion for photographers embarking on a day-long outing.
  • On-The-Go Charging: With versatile USB Type C compatibility users can charge in-camera and transfer files more conveniently than ever.
  • Dual Card Slots: Featuring two UHS-II SD card slots, the D780 provides professionals with a safety net and the ability to record multiple file formats simultaneously.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D780 will be available in late January for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 2,299.95* for the body-only configuration, and $ 2,799.95* for single-lens kit configuration with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

Nikon D780 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 2299 (body only), $ 2799 (w/24-120mm lens)
Body type
Body type Mid-size SLR
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6048 x 4024
Other resolutions 3936 x 2624 (DX crop)
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 25 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
Sensor size Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor Expeed 6
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 50
Boosted ISO (maximum) 204800
White balance presets 12
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal, basic
File format
  • JPEG
  • Raw (NRW, 12 or 14-bit)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp No
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 51
Number of cross-type focus points 15
Lens mount Nikon F
Focal length multiplier 1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3.2
Screen dots 2,359,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.7×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 900 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous low
  • Continuous high
  • Mirror-up
  • Quiet shutter
  • Quiet continuous
  • Self-timer
Continuous drive 12.0 fps
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Highlight-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
Connectivity
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (mini HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1
Remote control Yes (via wired, wireless or smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & harger
Battery Life (CIPA) 2260
Weight (inc. batteries) 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
Dimensions 144 x 116 x 76 mm (5.67 x 4.57 x 2.99)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon D780 initial review

07 Jan

Introduction

The Nikon D780 is a replacement for one of the most well-rounded DSLRs ever made: the D750. It’s still built around a 24MP sensor and 51-point AF system but the more you dig in, the more you discover it’s a much more capable machine: a DSLR that’s learned a lot from mirrorless.

Many aspects of the camera’s behavior, from autofocus and video performance to interval shooting have been significantly improved, bringing a lot of the Z6’s capabilities to F-mount owners.

Key Specifications:

  • 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection
  • 7 frame per second shooting (12 fps in 12-bit electronic shutter mode)
  • UHD 4K capture at up to 30p from the full width of the sensor
  • 51-point AF module supported by 180,000 pixel RGB metering sensor
  • 273 point on-sensor PDAF in Live View (sensitive to -4 EV)
  • 3.2″, 2.36M-dot touchscreen
  • Shutter range of 900 – 1/8000 sec
  • 10-bit video output over HDMI
  • 2260 shots per charge with viewfinder
  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • Snapbridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi system (with Raw and video transfer)

The Nikon D780 will be available from late January with an MSRP of $ 2,299.95 (the same price as the D750, in 2014), or as a kit with the AF-S 24-120mm F4G ED VR lens for $ 2,799.95.


What’s new and how it compares

The D780 uses elements borrowed from both the D5 and Z6 to deliver a camera that’s more of a step forward from the D750 it replaces.

Read more

Body and handling

The D780 has no built-in flash, but it does have a touchscreen and one of the best interfaces on the market for stills/video shooters.

Read more

Initial impressions

The D750 was hugely capable, but the D780 builds on that significantly. It’s a way for F-mount lens owners to gain the things Nikon has learned from its Z-series cameras. Which, in turn, might make it a great advert for the Z mount.

Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Opinion: Why I’m excited about the D780 and what it means for the future of Nikon

07 Jan

As a Nikon D750 owner who’s been using the camera for 5+ years, I’ll admit I’m excited about the D780. The refreshed model is, essentially, a DSLR version of the Nikon Z6 and I fully expect it’ll be relevant for another 5+ years.

I’m also excited because the D780 proves Nikon is still committed to DSLRs in 2020. And it might point to a continuing strategy, at least for now, of releasing ‘companion’ DSLR/mirrorless products, like the D850 and Z7 or the Canon EOS 90D and closely related 6D Mark II.

A proper replacement for the D750 provides the perfect stepping stone for folks interested in the Z6 or Z7, but who are still not ready to fully commit to a new system

A proper replacement for the D750 – which the D780 looks to be – also provides the perfect stepping stone for folks like me, interested in the Z6 or Z7, but still not ready to fully commit to a new system. That said, in another three to five years I very well may be ready to make the jump: especially if replacements for the Z6/Z7 fill in the gaps where Nikon’s DSLRs are still superior, like autofocus.

Why does the D750 continue to be such an excellent stills camera for the money? Because it offers still-competitive dynamic range/image quality (this image was pushed 2.25-stops), highly reliable autofocus (with great tracking ) and great ergonomics in a well built, small/lightweight DSLR body. Which is all to say, the D780 has some big shoes to fill.

ISO 3600 | 1/320 sec | F2.2 | Shot on Nikon D750 + Nikon 35mm F2 D

Nikon’s 3D Tracking autofocus in the company’s DSLRs is still better implemented and more reliable than the tracking in Z-series cameras, even with recent firmware updates. And though the number of AF points is unchanged from the D750 to D780, the new model inherits the AF algorithms of the flagship D5, so users should expect further improvement to what is already (and still) a top performing AF system.

Nikon’s 3D Tracking autofocus in the company’s DSLRs is still better-implemented and more reliable than the tracking in Z-series cameras

I have no doubt in my mind Nikon will continue to dial in the reliability of AF tracking in Z-series cameras (and fix the clunky implementation). And for enthusiast photographers curious about mirrorless, the Z6 is a sensible camera to consider as-is. But for folks like me who rely on their camera for freelance work, or for those entirely making a living behind the lens (bless your souls), sticking with something that has a proven track record is a no-brainer. Not to mention, the D780 offers dual card slots, something many professionals insist on. The Z6 does not.

While I would’ve appreciated a small bump in sensor resolution in the D780, no increase means I don’t have to worry about the camera out-resolving my aging collection of AF-D lenses.

ISO 6400 | 1/500 sec | F3.2 | Shot on Nikon D750 + Nikon 85mm F1.8 D

Still, the camera does fall short of my hopes in a few areas, most notably the continued lack of an AF joystick and/or a touchpad AF implementation (the latter is offered in the mid-range D5600). I also would have liked to see some bump in resolution, though the updated sensor (likely the same as the Z6’s) does offer some image quality improvements. Still, I’m jazzed as heck for 4K video (with usable video autofocus!), a touchscreen, faster burst shooting and better AF, even if Nikon did remove my precious pop-up flash (truly handy as a fill for back-lit portraits).

By giving the D780 the same live view implementation as the Z-series, Nikon is gradually guiding traditional DSLR users to appreciate its virtues

Ultimately, I know there will likely come a day semi-professional DSLRs are phased out completely. Thankfully the D780 is proof Nikon is taking its time and not forcing users to switch too quickly. By giving the camera the same live view implementation and performance as the Z-series, Nikon is gradually guiding traditional DSLR users to accept and appreciate the virtues of a good live view experience, something current D750 users know nothing about. All while allowing us to keep our familiar DSLR form factor and precious optical viewfinder.

At the end of the day, this is a hugely important camera series for Nikon, having successfully straddled the line between professional and enthusiast cameras ever since the D700 debuted more than ten years ago. There’s a reason these cameras are so popular and find their way into the hands of so many photographers: they offer good reliability and good bang-for-the-buck in the long run. Heck, I still use my D700 from time-to-time. With the D780, the legacy of this series continues on. And if the days of the DSLR are truly numbered and this is the final chapter in the D700-saga, it seems to be a proper finale… unlike ‘The Rise of Skywalker’.

The Nikon D750 has and continues to serve me well.

ISO 3200 | 1/500 sec | F10 | Shot on Nikon D750 + Nikon 35mm F2 D

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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