The recently announced Nikon D780 is the replacement for one of the most praised Nikon DSLR's out there—The Nikon D750. This replacement has been a long time coming since the D750 was announced back in 2014. Although, with the launch of mirrorless cameras throughout the industry, people began thinking DSLR's were a thing of the past. With the release of the D780 and Canon's new EOS-1D X Mark III, it has certainly proved that theory wrong. So what's the difference between the D750 and the D780? Well, let's begin with the chart below.
The D750 vs. the D780
Nikon D750 vs. D780 Specification Chart
|
Camera Feature |
Nikon D750 | Nikon D780 |
| Mount Type | F Mount | F Mount |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9 x 24mm | 35.9 x 23.9mm |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.9µ | 5.9µ |
| Image Size | 6,016 x 4,016 | 6,048 x 4,024 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED4 | EXPEED6 |
| Electronic Front Shutter | No | Yes |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | 100-12,800 | 100-51,200 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 25,600-51,200 | ISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800 |
| Dust Reduction/Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Calibrations | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Optical |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Storage | 2x SD (UHS-I) | 2x SD (UHS-II) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 6.5 FPS | 7 FPS (viewfinder); 12 FPS (live view with silent shooting and 12-bit RAW) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 900 sec |
| Autofocusing System | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II with an improved algorithm |
| Number of AF Points | 51 AF points, 15 cross-type | 51 AF points, 15 cross-type |
| AF Detection Range | -3 to +19 EV | -3 to +19 EV viewfinder; -6 to +17 EV live view |
| Smallest AF Detection Aperture | f/8 | f/8 |
| Video Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) / 60p | 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ 30p; 1080p at 120p |
| Video Max Quality | 8-bit over HDMI | 10-bit N-log over HDMI |
| Focus Shift Shooting | No | Yes |
| Live View Focus System | Contrast-Detect | 273-point On-Sensor Phase Detect |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone |
| LCD Type/Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Touchscreen |
| LCD Resolution | 1,229,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 1230 shots (CIPA) | 2260 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather-Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 3.1 |
| Weight | 29.5 oz (835 g) | 29.6 oz (840 g) |
| Dimensions | 140.5 x 113 x 78 mm | 143.5 x 115.5 x 76 mm |
| MSRP Price | $1,696.95 (review price) | $2,296.95 (review price) |
As you can see from the specification chart, the Nikon D780 is an obvious step up from the D750. Although, no surprises there since the D780 is the new and improved replacement. Plus, keep in mind, the D750 was announced back in September 2014 while the D780 was announced just this month in January 2020.
Updated Sensor and Image Processor
The back-illuminated 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection in the Nikon D780 is a slight upgrade from the 24.3MP in the D750 but it is also paired with the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine, the same one you'll find in the mirrorless Z cameras. The EXPEED 6 produces exquisite detail in both photos and video, with an ultra-shallow depth of field and clear, crisp imagery with reduced noise, even in low-light shooting scenarios.
Improved Low-light Capabilities
The D780 now has a wide native ISO range of 100-51,200—expandable to 50-204,800—which increases the camera’s performance in fast-changing light situations. Continuous shooting of 7 fps, and up to 12 fps in Live View, captures images in RAW or JPEG. We saw incredible capabilities with low-light in the Nikon Z6 and figure we'll see similar if not the same results with the D780. Landscape photographers also get a nice upgrade with shutter speeds available up to 900 seconds.
4K Video Capabilities
Video is where the D780 shines compared to the D750. Considering the video capabilities in the Z6, there's no doubt the D780 likely mirrored its specifications. Now, you can capture exceptional 4K video, or Full HD 1080p at up to 120p. Uncompressed files are saved to the dual UHS-II SD cards, or recorded externally via HDMI. Both N-Log and available Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) for HDR shooting help preserve detail while maximizing dynamic range. Plus, not to mention, D780 almost doubles that of the D750 when it comes to battery life.
The back of the D750 compared to the D780
Accurate Auto-Focus
The primary 51-point AF system in the Nikon D780 provides quick, accurate focusing. In Live View, the 273-point AF uses advanced eye-detection technology to maintain focus while tracking quickly moving subjects. Even though the D780 comes with the same 51-AF points and autofocus system as the D750, Nikon explains that it comes with an improved algorithm.
Now Connect with Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities in the Nikon D780 are now available and provide easy wireless transfer of photos and videos to any compatible smart device via the SnapBridge app. Connect the D780 to your computer over Wi-Fi ®, or use the optional WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter for a wired or wireless LAN connection.
There's always another main factor when it comes to deciding between two cameras—the price. The D780 will be available on January 23rd and will be $2,296 for the body which was the same price as the D750 when it came out in September 2014. The lens kit, on the other hand, is now available for $2,796 which is a deal compared to the D750's original price of $3,596. Today, the D750 is about $1,000 cheaper than the D780 at only $1,196 for the body and $1,996 for the lens kit. As reviewed above, the D780 is more advanced than the D750, but is it worth the price? That, my friends, is for you to decide.