Nikon D750 vs. D780

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 compared to the D780 Front 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 D750 back of camera compared to the D780 back of camera 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. 

To pre-order the Nikon D780, click the button below.
ComparisonsDslrFull-frameNikonNikon d750Nikon d780

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