Nikon D780 hands-on: Hybrid DSLR between Z6 and D5

Today we were at the Nikon booth during the CES 2020 event held in Las Vegas, USA and we are sharing Nikon D780 hands-on pictures with you. However, because this camera is only a sample device, still limited in functionality compared to the actual version sold, so we have not tried more details as well as test shots directly from it.

Nikon D780 Review

The Nikon D780 is already available to pre-order through Bhphotovideo and Amazon online stores and will start shipping in late January this year, with the official selling price of the $2,296.95 for the body only and $2,796.95 for the D780 with AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

Preview Product Rating Price
Nikon D780 Body Nikon D780 Body No ratings yet $2,196.95
Preview Product Rating Price
Nikon D780 w/AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Nikon D780 w/AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR No ratings yet $2,796.95

The Nikon D780 is a new generation DSLR, so it can be said that the D780 is now a hybrid camera between the Z mirrorless series and Nikon’s semi-professional DSLR series, in part because it is an upgrade of the Nikon D780. Previously, the D750 also partially inherited a lot of technology from the Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras, as well as inherited the strength and endurance from the Nikon D850 and Nikon D5.

The grip on the hand is very familiar, especially when you have started to familiarize yourself with the recent generations of Nikon Z. In appearance, basically the Nikon D780 retains the same design core from the existing D750, combining features from Nikon’s top DSLRs, MRLs with a smaller, lighter body and of course, is cheaper than its predecessors.

In terms of internal power, the Nikon D780 is equipped with a BS.5 Full-frame CMOS image sensor with 24.5MP resolution and the next-generation EXPEED 6 image processor (upgraded from EXPEED 4 on the D750). Regarding the EXPEED 6 image processor, it has been equipped on the Nikon Z6 and Z7, improved the calculation and fine-tuning AF capabilities, greatly improving the accuracy of the functions. Automatic controls include autofocus (AF), auto exposure (AE) and auto white balance (AWB), which help the device have a faster processing speed, lower energy use, and performance improvement in low-light environments as well as maintaining the best color saturation and clarity. The ISO range on the D780 is upgraded to a maximum of 51200 compared to 12800 on the Nikon D750 and can be expanded to 204800.

In terms of high-speed continuous shooting, the D780 is capable of taking up to 7 fps continuous shooting with a full-sensor resolution for viewfinder shooting and up to 12 fps for Live view shooting. Unfortunately, due to the demo device, Nikon did not allow us to remove the lens to see the sensor or mirror inside.

When shooting with the viewfinder, the D780 uses a focus system with 51 AF points, which includes 15 cross-type focus points with the same focusing algorithm as on the Nikon D5, with good focus capability at underexposed conditions up to -4EV. In addition, the D780 is upgraded with a new 180K-pixel scene recognition system that makes it possible to analyze each subject in the frame and produce the best results in metering and color reproduction.

When taken with Live View mode, the D780 can be almost a mirrorless camera thanks to the inherited technology from the Z6 and Z7 seniors and this is the first hybrid technology to be equipped for that Nikon DSLR. The Nikon D780 has the same focus system with 273 hybrid focus points on the sensor as on the Z6 with up to 90% coverage to help it catch fast movements that appear in the frame. Eye-detection focusing technology is also included for the Nikon D780 and is also the first Nikon DSLR to having this technology, making it possible to accurately track and focus on one or more eyes in a frame at a time. Real-time for portrait photos, people can be much more vivid, sharper.

Not only has the Nikon D780 upgraded a lot in photography capabilities, but it is now also getting a huge upgrade in video recording capabilities and is the best DSLR capable video recording camera available today, similar to the Z6. So, you can record full-frame 4K video at 30fps full-pixel readout, record 108P videos at 120fps. Other video features include support for HDMI video output via 10-bit support N-Log or HDR (Hybrid Log-Gamma), focus peaking, highlight display (zebra stripes), intervalometer, and timecode… To bring a comfortable and easy-to-use user interface, modified image editing menu with advanced cropping and resizing options, and refreshed user interface with easy “i” menu, more flexible to use, easier and more convenient.

On the back of the camera is a large, 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with approximately 2,359 pixels, allowing for better details when viewing photos and taking photos at various angles. From the top as well as from the bottom up easily. The most recognizable feature on the D780 is that it has been removed from the familiar flash, to become professional machines in the way Nikon has segmented its products since ancient times. There are 2 mic helps to record video and the next change is that the ISO button is brought to the top similar to that of the Nikon Z, plus the next up and down EV button will make the controlling 1-handed machine faster and easier. The revamped function dial has been redesigned with a convenient and smooth rotation lock button to change modes.

On the back, the controls are similar in the way that Nikon does, but removing the joystick on the D780 is a step backward, maybe according to our personal feelings, because we are the people who used it a lot, in any case of taking pictures with the Z. The right side of the camera is a dual SD card slot with the ability to receive cards with high-speed UHS-II, which makes writing data faster, but unfortunately is that Nikon did not add XQD or CFExpress card slots instead of up to 2 such SD slots.

In terms of connectivity, the Nikon D780 also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that make connecting to smart devices easy through Nikon’s SnapBridge app with settings that can transfer image data in RAW format as well such as JPEG easily or use it to control remote photography. Advanced Wi-Fi features are available and compatible with Nikon WT-7 / A / B / C devices.

The Nikon D780 has also been upgraded with a USB-C port for easy data transfer as well as connecting accessories. And what we wondered about the D780 launch was answered by Nikon, they confirmed that the USB-C port on the D780 can still charge the Nikon EN-EL15b battery just like on the Z6 and Z7, this is the best thing from Nikon. In addition, other features available on the D780 include the ability to save energy, resulting in a higher number of photos taken in full charge, up to 2,260 shots each when fully charged Nikon EN-EL15b battery.

About Ankeet Solanki

Thanks for reading! If my article helped you, I would be happy if you visit Techtoyreviews again and follow it on Social media. This article contains partner "affiliate" links. Clicking on it will take you to the provider and if you make a purchase, Techtoyreviews will receive a small amount of support.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *