Nikon D780 Review

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Nikon D780 Review:

Overview:

The introduction of this camera was an enjoyable time of my life when I experienced some beautiful events.

After a lot of fun, I realized that I should save whatever good is happening in my life as a memory so I can remember it afterward or when I am upset.

But my main problem at the moment was my mobile phone’s camera was not working.

I decided to ask a professional photographer to take my pictures but was not impressed by the results of my images.

After making a mutual decision with my cousin, we purchased a new camera released only one month ago and was the talk of the town.

The new D780 became my choice as it gave me the best result.

I took many pictures and was never tense because the D780 has vast storage space to protect my images from the best results.

I wished to take it to the next level, so I decided to use it for professional use.

At the start, I thought about it for a long time whether this camera would be strong enough to provide me with a professional field.

According to camera experts, it was adequate for professionals.

So, as per my wish, I became a professional photographer for my family functions, which was a great experience just because of this DSLR camera.

Date of Launch:

Mostly, I do not remember the launching dates of any mobile or camera, but at the moment, the camera was in demand, and the D780 was the talk of the town, so I remembered it specifically.

Nikon released it on the 6th of January 2020 and released it for purchase on the 23^rd of January 2020.

These mirrorless cameras work with a single-reflex lens system.

Giving results in HD, it also comes with three different types of storage systems, all supported by SD.

Specifications:

• Mirrorless system camera
• Nikon F bayonet mount
• Single-lens reflex
• 5 million megapixel
• 9mm x 23.9mm sensor size
• FX image sensor format
• 4k/30 fps
• Full HD 1920×1080/24 fps – Full HD 1920×1080/120 fps
• 2 monitor sizes in diagonal
• TFT touch-sensitive LED
• 170° viewing angle
• 11-level manual brightness
• Storage type

1. SD storage
2. SDHC (UHC-11 compliant)
3. SDXC (UHC-11 compliant)

• ISO 100 – 51200
• 6 in 115.5 mm x 5.7 in 143.5mm
• 51-point AF system
• Two secure digital SD
• File system – compliant with DCF
• Digital print order format
• Exchangeable image file format
• 21 mm viewfinder eyepoint
• -3 to +1m diopter adjustment
• Instant return type reflex mirror
• Electronically controlled lens aperture
• 1/8000 to 30 shutter speed
• Seven frames per second
• TTL exposure metering using a 180,000-pixel RGB sensor
• Diameter of the circle (8,15, or 20mm)
• -3 +_ 20 EV (center-weighted metering)
• 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
• 2 to 20 EV (highlight-weighted metering)
• CPU and AI meter coupling
• Exposure lock
• Luminosity locked
• Auto picture control
• Autofocus
• 273 point LiveView
• MH-25, a quick charge
• 0°- 40° C (+32°-104° F) operating environment
• TTL flash control
• RGB sensor
• 2500k to 10000k color temperature
• Built-in stereo
• 2,359,000 dots monitor resolution
• TFT touch-sensitive LCD
• Auto-image rotation
• Wifi functionality built-in
• Bluetooth specification version 4.1
• 4 dBm Bluetooth
• 2260 shots per charge
• 2402-2480 MHz maximum output power
• Linear PCM movie audio recording format

Body of Nikon D780:

Nikon D780 is a versatile camera that performs all the functions effectively.

But the body of the camera is also fabulous.

With an approximate weight of 840 g/1 lb. 13.7 oz with battery and SD memory card (without camera cap), this camera is of perfect importance.

Some other cameras that are way too heavy give the best result, but handling them is difficult.

Sometimes, I consider the camera’s monitor in the body, so I’ll also describe the monitor size here.

The monitor size is 8 cm/3.2-inch diagonal.

The 35.9mm x 23.9 mm sensor size creates the best images.

Vertically, the camera size is 115.5 mm, and horizontally, the size is 1433.5 mm. The body of the camera is also an absolute beauty.

The camera is secured with two digital SDs.

The BSI CMOS sensor is powered up with an a6 image processing engine that gives a 25px4 result.

The TFT touch-sensitive LED gives a 170° viewing angle.

The full-frame DSLR is a mirrorless system camera with different lens types.

The Nikon F bayonet mount is the most effective lens mount, which works as a single-lens reflex system.

The battery of the Nikon D780:

The D780 is powered by an EN-EL15 b rechargeable Li-ion battery that can easily give 2260 shots per charge.

This long-lasting battery is the first choice of professional photographers.

The battery’s long life is not the camera’s only reliable feature.

Another reliable feature of both the battery and the camera is the quick charging speed of the battery.

The emptied battery can be easily charged in two hours and 32 minutes.

This is also the first time I have experimented with this beautiful thing.

The battery should take at least 3 to 4 hours to recharge, but I was surprised when it was ultimately charged in just two and a half hours.

Other batteries, such as EN/EL15b/EN-EL15a, can also be used.

The best thing about this camera is that it can be charged with the help of an EH-7P charging AC adopter.

Lenses:

A professional photographer needs the most important thing after a good camera: a perfect lens for a perfect picture.

The lens can be said to be the backbone of the camera.

If the lens is not mounted with the concern of the camera, the images will not be good.

The Nikon D780 uses a single-lens reflex system with a Nikon F bayonet mount.

The instantly-returned type electronically controlled lens aperture creates a significant impact on the working of the camera.

Apart from the other beautiful features, different compatible lenses are mainly used for different types of photography.

Following are some compatible lenses that can be used with Nikon D780:

• AI-P NIKKOR lenses
• DX lenses [DX 24 x 16] image area
• Non-CPU AI lenses (modes A and M only)
• Other AF NIKKOR lenses
• Types G, E, D

The viewfinder of the Nikon D780:

The viewfinder is also one of the main features of any camera, and sometimes, professionals buy a new camera by taking a look at the effects of its viewfinder.

The Nikon D780 is a single-lens reflex viewfinder with different types of frames.

The viewfinder magnifies approximately 0.7x(50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0m–1).

The eyepoint of the viewfinder is 21mm with diopter adjustment of -3 to 1m(power -1).

The instant return type reflex mirror of the viewfinder creates a great image.

The different frames that work effectively with the viewfinder aperture are as follows:

• FX (36×24): 100% horizontal and 100% vertical
• 2x (30×20): 97% horizontal and 97% vertical
• DX (24×16): 97% horizontal and 97% vertical

This camera is impressive in AF technology in the viewfinder.

It also incorporates focal-plane phase-detection technology that performs excellent functions during live-view shootings and recordings.

The new hybrid AF system of the camera provides an evolutionary leap and helps the photographer focus on the image very well. The eye-detection AF is also effective during whole live shooting.

The coverage of the camera is impressive. That gives approximately the full range of 97% with a full frame.

The focus points are 273, allowing the camera to focus on every angle peripherally and providing effective results.

The viewfinder is combined with a tilting LCD monitor and the perfect AF technology that helps focus on fresh and new images, and the photography ideas are also enhanced.

In my thinking, a significant focus primarily affects the concept of photography.

If you are shooting life somewhere, the basic needs will be the best camera with the best lens and guide.

The 51-point AF system with an electronically controlled viewfinder aperture focuses on every effect of photography, even during live shooting.

According to my experience, the viewfinder of the D780 works more impressively during life shooting.

51-point AF system:

While looking for the cameras, I found some other familiar names, such as D750.

But I was impressed by the D780, so I purchased it.

At the time, one of my friends was using a D750, and she thought there were not many differences between these two cameras as the D750 was also working based on a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors.

Still, after taking pictures from both cameras, I realized that the D780 is more advanced.

The performance of the AF system is greatly enhanced because of the Expeed 6 image processing engine and the advanced scene recognition system.

The upgraded 180k RGB sensor creates a focal point that helps professionals create an impact in photography.

The 3D tracking mode combines with the D5 flagship, improving the auto are AF.

The 100% frame coverage, when combined with 0.7 x magnification, also enhances the image display, creating a 170-degree view angle.

Apart from all the unique features, the D780 provides not only fantastic features, tools, and more confidence for me, but

Improve your vision with the D780:

This camera offers the AF up to -3EV while doing viewfinder and live photography.

The sharp vision of the camera provides you with a strong image while doing live photography or shooting.

Let me tell you about a fun incident while using the D780.

After performing as a photographer at my family function, I decided to do live photography in other areas.

I went on a trip with my friends and did live shooting with my camera, thanks to its incredible vision and reflex lens system.

The 11-level manual brightness and the sharp -3EV viewfinder were efficient.

I could capture different moving objects far from me due to their strong effect on the intelligent viewfinder.

Apart from that, the eyepoint AF was helping me focus only on nature’s beauty.

The eyepoint viewfinder helps professionals focus on the images and the shootings, even if they are recording it live.

While the camera is in AF-C mode, the eyepoint can concentrate on moving objects if you press half of the shutter.

One of the best features is that the eyepoint can easily focus on any touching or still object in low light, meaning you do not need extra light for your shoots and recordings.

AF under your control:

When I say that AF is under your control, I mean it because Nikon cares about their users.

The focusing speed and smoothness are both under the power of the user.

When one is shooting any movie, these two things create a significant impact while switching between any two subjects.

The focal-plane phase detection allows the user to customize the tracking and speed sensitivity of the AF.

The 11-step adjustable focus speed is also applicable on lower levels.

This makes the scene look more cinematic with a significant visual effect.

The tracking activity of the AF can be controlled in 7 steps.

It helps to focus on the object you want to capture and avoid obstacles, creating an excellent image.

Shutter type of the Nikon D780:

Professionals mostly need a camera shutter for a gap between their clips.

The electronically controlled shutter type is available in quiet shutter release.

The flash sync speed of the shutter of Grand D780 is up to 1/200 sec with a shutter speed of 1/8000 in 30 seconds.

The top continuous shooting speed is seven frames per second.

The amazing self-timer can be adjusted for 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds.

The timer duration can be controlled electronically.

The exposure of Nikon D780:

The exposure of the D780 camera is a wonderful experience based on different metering systems of color and resolution.

Based on the TTL exposure metering system, the D780 works with a 180,000-pixel RGB sensor.

The centered circle weighs 75%, as given in 12 m. You can easily change the circle’s diameter per your wish.

The diameter can be adjusted to 8, 15, or 20 mm.

The second system is 3D matrix metering II, in which type G, E, and D lenses are used apart from CPU lenses.

It is also available with non-CPU lenses if the user provides complete data about the lens.

The lens can be adjusted on the elected focal point.

The exposure meter coupling is based on CPU and AI with the following ranges:

• -3 to +- 20 EV(matrix)
• 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
• 2 to 20 EV (highlight-weighted metering)

Modes of Exposure:

Different modes of exposure can be changed concerning their uses.

• Aperture-Priority (A)
• Manual (M)
• Programmed auto with flexible program (P)
• Shutter-priority
• U1 (user setting 1)
• U2 (user setting 2)
• Special modes

1. Night vision
2. Pop
3. Photo illustration
4. Toy camera effect
5. Super vivid
6. Miniature effect
7. Selective color
8. Silhouette
9. High key
10. Low key

The exposure compensation while shooting movies is -5 to +5 EV and -3 to +3 EV.

Picture control of the camera:

When one talks about picture control, you can easily create a picture with the quality and effects of your choice.

My experience with this feature was pleasant, but mostly, I think about it as filters available on specific cell phones.

Following are the picture control modes.

• Creative picture control

1. Dream
2. Morning
3. Pop
4. Sunday
5. Somber
6. Dramatic
7. Silence
8. Bleached
9. Melancholic
10. Pure
11. Toy
12. Sepia
13. Denim
14. Blue
15. Red
16. Pink
17. Charcoal
18. Graphite
19. Carbon
20. Binary

• Auto
• Flat
• Neutral
• Landscape
• Monochrome
• Portrait
• Standard
• Vivid

Attention, please: selected picture control can be modified in storage for custom picture control.

The luminosity of the camera and exposure of the camera are both locked. The AE-L/AF-L button locks the luminosity.

ISO sensitivity:

The ISO sensitivity is set up to 100-51,200. It can be changed as per the user’s demand.

The user can set it to 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV, which is equal to IS0 50. It can also be adjusted below ISO 100 or above ISO 51,200.

The D780 also provides its user with the control of the ISO, and auto ISO sensitivity control is also available.

Active D-lighting is also available in the Nikon D780.

Sometimes, I think Nikon has all the excellent features of a single camera. The active D-lighting  can be selected from:

• Auto
• Extra high
• High
• Normal
• Low
• Off

Resolution and Movie Metering:

The 3.2-sized diagonal monitor is perfect for recording videos and movies.

The intellectual result created by the D780 is based on the MOV movie file format with advanced video coding.

The video compression is H.264/MPEG-4.

The movie audio recording format is also superb.

This format is based on a linear PCM system. Following are the metered movie resolutions in UHD/fps.

• 4K UHD 3,840×2,160/ 30 fps
• 4K UHD 3,840×2,160/ 25 fps
• 4K UHD 3,840×2,160/ 24 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 120 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 120 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 100 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 60 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 50 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 30 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 25 fps
• Full HD 1,920×1,080/ 24 fps
• Slow-motion: Full HD 1,920×1080 30P (x4)
• Slow-motion: Full HD 1,920×1080 25P (x4)
• Slow-motion: Full HD 1,920×1080 24P (x5)

Different types of frame rates can easily work with the Nikon D780.

Some of them are 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p. these all have different values concerning the fps.

These monitors have built-in stereo or external microphones that detect the audio very well.

These microphones are sensitivity adjustable.

Playback functions of the Nikon D780:

The playback functions of the camera are also crucial for great results.

At the start of my photography, I thought playback functions were features similar to behind-the-scenes videos about different celebrities and characters.

But once I started learning about the camera’s techniques and effects, I knew this was a whole new world.

The playback functions of this camera significantly impact the outstanding image creativity of the D780.

Apart from all the struggles a cameraman faces during photography, the playback functions help the photographer in many ways.

The auto image rotation saved me many times, so I think how much it will help a professional photographer.

The full-frame sensor captures the image perfectly.

The highlights and histogram display significantly impact the results and pictures when coupled with location display and index marking.

The movie playback and slideshow make it easier for professionals to save time and energy.

I am impressed by the overall functions that helped me in many ways at different times.

I want to add a little story at this moment.

I took a whole lot of images while I was camping among my friends and family.

Some of them asked me to take specific pictures only for them.

They were all saved on my camera’s SD card when I captured them all.

But when they asked me about their pictures, I did not remember them.

After thinking a lot, I remembered that these pictures communicate with them. I was saved at the moment because of this beautiful function.

Other features of this advanced camera are photo slide show, playback with playback zoom, and playback cropping.

Apart from these, the audio input of the Nikon D780 is based on a stereo mini-pin jack with a diameter of 3.5 mm and is supported by plug-in power.

The HDMI output is established with a type-C USB connector and a USB port.

The Wi-Fi functionality is also built-in, and the camera can be connected with a snap bridge.

Most importantly, the camera also has a 4.1 version of Bluetooth specifications.

Memory Types:

The Nikon D780 DSLR is perfect in terms of its storage as well.

The camera has two SD card slots supported with UHS-II interfaces.

The SD card types used in this camera are SD, SDXC, and SDHC, with a memory range from 4GB to 1 TB.

Firstly, I thought, why use both slots at a time when I can use them on different occasions?

Still, I used both spaces simultaneously once I lost at least 50 pictures due to memory shortage.

It provides a real-time backup, separating other videos and images easily.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Nikon D780 perfectly blends all the previous Nikon cameras.

Having the maximum qualities of the prior edition is smart enough to reduce professionals’ workload.

Because of this camera, many people enjoy photography and video recording.

When combined with excellent speed and resolution, the fantastic features create a long-lasting impact on the world of cameras.

The weight and size of the body also do not affect the working process of the camera.

With two slots for a memory card, the HD display and single lens-reflex viewfinder pair up with the strong AF that also focuses on the photographer’s confidence.

The Nikon D780 should be your priority if you search for the best.

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