Nikon D780 initial review

Easy.

Portability / Video = D780
Resolution = D850

Got D850 for just USD 2150 during X-Mas sales and can’t be any happier :-)

So... I didn't ask for any of that either, but it's like they read my mind. I actually like what I'm seeing in the d780.

The shutter upgrade to 1/8000th is massive by itself. Try using an F/1.4 lens on a sunny day limited by 1/4000th...

Thanks for reply. I am Nikon shooter since ever. Still have a FM2n at home.

For that I do not want to see Nikon disapearing like IBM, Digital Research, Sun Microsystems, Compaq, etc. etc.

What Nikon needs is a camera everybody wants. The D780 is not. Unfortunately.

In comparison to D5 it has the D5 AF algorithm - but no separate processor for those calculations (as I understand it).

Once used to joy stick, there is no way back.

The OVF has some serious advantages over EVF too.

Once you've used a good EVF you don't see the OVF advantages anymore....

I have not tried the F-Z adapter, but my understanding is that it does not work well with AI-S lenses. I think you only get stop down metering, without an automatic diaphragm, and you need to open the aperture to get the brightest image, focus, stop down, then meter. Not ideal. That is my understanding of the Z -F adapter on the Z6 or Z7 with AI-S lenses. I would not want that. So the F mount cameras remain televxnt for many legacy users.

The only EVF I have seen that might persuade me of its merits is on the Panasonic S Series and Leica SL2 - I accept others opinions may differ. Why can't some people cope with the idea that many prefer an OVF, either as a DSLR or a Rangefinder? If you prefer an EVF, fine, but it doesn't make a camera 'bad' or 'over the hill' if it does not have one. The photographic world does not begin and end with mirrorless.

@rwol. I do use EVFs, not the latest tech, but i would always prefer an quality, 100% PoV OVF, end of story. Being used to OVF for more than >3 Decades.

Its good to have choices - what you think is the same as mine, my personal, very own opinion. You have to understood, that some ppl, like myself, would prefer an OVF...and this wouldn't change with gear, not now, not into decades. I do always get eyestrain & headaches with EVFs after time.

There are some freaks here always saying DSLRs are dead, junk etc...but there's much life into the old dog being left. :-)

Further, Nikon does have since 1959 a very huge F-Mount legacy, Millions of Lenses being produced - one can use the FTZ Adapter on the current Z6/Z7, but this Adapter does have it's limits, no screwdrive AF for AF-D Lenses, for instance.

It's amazing, people do talk always about gear, which is at some point being relative irrelevant, pictures do count way more, than the tool to create them.

A find weekend, and good light.

I never use LV in the type of work I do and the OVF in this camera is a must for me.
Camera from the past? Really? Dunno, the D750 still sell new here in Los Estados Juntos.
Is all about using the tool you want/need/able to you, to get the image you got in mind.

@Hoxton
You’re not, the A7III viewfinder is among the worst in the industry.

Thank you @NexLupus, at least I know I'm not going completely bananas...

@Hoxton Bridge I think that A7III EVF looks pretty bad too. However, it's very functional and gets you the information that you need. But, since I don't enjoy it, I stepped up the money for a Panasonic S1R which has a very nice EVF.

I think that is a great choice @gameshoes3003. Alongside the Leica SL2 (probably the same EVF unit) it's the best I have seen...While on the subject of the SR1, how do you find the AF - I haven't tried it properly?

@Hoxton Bridge
For day time use, the AF performs well. For indoors/lowlight, it can struggle. I just did a portrait of a friend, and I had to use a video light for the AF to recognize him. Kind of makes me wish I spent the money on a strobe that had a strong modelling light..

The A7III EVF is absolutely fine, and people like NexLupus are nothing but little fanboys. Among the worst in the industry? It isn't even among the worst of the last few years. Be quiet. I've been using EVFs as far back as the Fujifilm X100 and even that EVF was plenty pleasing to the eye.

@lukecookphoto
You sir have obviously never compared the EVF between the Z6 and an A7III have you.
If not, then refrain from commenting, adults are talking.

@NexLupus
The A7III viewfinder isn't THAT bad. Like I've stated before, it's very functional. (though I will admit that writing that it was "pretty bad" was not reflective of my opinions) Personally, I would have no issues in using the A7III if that was my camera. But, for my enjoyment, I chose the camera with the much higher resolution viewfinder.

@gamesshoes3003
I did not say that you said it was that bad...
I did say that it is the worst in its class (which it is) and that anyone doubting this should look through both the Nikon Z6 and the A7III side by side.

A7III has the same EVF of A7II. This was what DPR had to say about A7II EVF in their review in 2015: "The electronic viewfinder also remains unchanged, and uses 2.3 million dots for 100% accuracy and .71x magnification. It is extremely bright and detailed." It meant A7III had the same EVF as A7I even years before 2015.

When we start comparing between now and then, of course, so much has changed and evolved

@Nex Lupus
It looks like my writing was confusing. I did not mean to insinuate that you accused me of something.

"You sir have obviously never compared the EVF between the Z6 and an A7III have you.
If not, then refrain from commenting, adults are talking."

Yes, it's better. Does it make the A7III EVF bad? No. Does it make it among the worst EVFs? No. I've tried multiple EVFs that are better, it doesn't change that the A7III EVF is very usable, very clear and still leagues better than chimping with my D810's OVF.

The second sentence of your last comment paints you as a child, and a very sad one at that. Getting all elitist about EVFs, absolutely pathetic. Enjoy writing your next comment knowing full well I won't be reading it.

I like both the dual gain technology and the BSI sensor... useful features in my shooting situations where I never use flash but many times have to cover moving action (not justifying the price though)

No, it's not possible. Doesn't have the ability to take any battery grip. The contacts aren't there.

There could be a kludged third party grip that uses a cable that plugs into the side of the camera for control. There are some like that for the cheaper DX cameras without contacts.

D7500 like... the grip fits the shape of the camera bottom but is connected via a cable. It only works for exposure but there is no AF-ON button or control wheel

For me the touchscreen is one of the main benefits !

@ Rootbeer ...the touch screen is one of the best things of that camera and if you don't like it no one will force you to use it :D

There's hardly any need anymore for a flash with the current sensor sensitivity (and low noise). I haven't used my flash in ages since available light is in >95% of the case more than enough. And for the rare occasions where there's less light, bring a separate flash.

(I also never liker built in flashes in DSLR's because of the flimsy construction; I prefer to have a solid pentaprism housing on top of the camera)

"DSLRs with IBIS are not in the cards."

Mhm. Other manufacturers managed to produce those years ago, already. So engineering wise it certainly is possible - and given that Nikon now has the tech oughtn't be impossible.

You just move the sensor (I think even the shutter mechanism stays fixed, since you'd be trying to keep the IS unit light to minimize inertia).

But, while it's physically possible, I think it's fairly unlikely that either of the brands who've nailed their colours to the in-lens IS mast will suddenly choose to spend the R&D money on it, given how much of their efforts are committed to their new mirrorless systems.

nah, upset people just tend to hit the keyboard faster than happy people.

Why should one be upset for things one never intended to buy?

It is just a tool ‘Special needs’ has a different meaning in the UK.......and if one uses that interpretation of the meaning, it makes your comment even funnier...........but much nastier.........😀

@King Penguin. My exact thoughts. Nail, hammer, spot on :-)

This is what hard to believe in... FF camera for 2200 USD without ability to stick vertical grip! I said once here - Nikon has some pests in their marketing department, maybe payed by Sony or Canon... First was a D7500, not D780!!!

Just silly in my opinion. Nikon continues to make stupid marketing decisions.

whats the problem to put in camera some electronic contacts for battery grip, especially if you have it for D750? is it expensive? But for many customers its a very big feature! If Nikon doesn't want to make battery grip, its ok, many chinese manufacturers will do it, just give to customers this option... 2200 FF camera without vertical grip! Its a biggest news in photo industry I think, its a historical news for 2020-2030! Nikon did it! And if D780 is for just amateurs, for what Nikon put there 2 cards? Video shooters also want 2 batteries... ooh

I agree it's ridiculously simple to do. They could have even made it backward compatible for the current battery grips they make for the D750 or D850.

Every time Nikon engineers make a great product, the marketing department kills it with their dumb ass decisions. It's like deleting the AF-On button on the D750. Such childish banality in their marketing department.

I love Nikon engineers, but I hate their marketing department. Look at the 1 series and how they completely botched that great product by the slippery, sleek looking design with poor manual controls. Or the Df with all it's crippled features...The list goes on. Every so often the hit a home run though like the D850. Now give us a 24mp version of the same!!

I think Sony has a mature enough lens lineup and AF accuracy that it's worth jumping ship.

"I think Sony has a mature enough lens lineup and AF accuracy that it's worth jumping ship."

Been there, done that. Came to Nikon third (shot Canon/Sony in parallel for many years). Sony cameras are nasty little computer boxes, horrid for left eye shooters and very uncomfortable in the hand. Years later they were still not cameras for me.

Loved my Canon cameras but tired of crippled video. I tired also of keeping two systems in my head and the travails of adapting lenses. Hello Nikon, hello Z6.

Great solidly built cameras like Canon, vast lens ecosphere with affordable prices. New S lens line are incredible value (Canon charges two or three times the price for the same performance with just 1/3 stop higher transmission).

Yes, no battery grip is terrible. Buy a D850, they are not too expensive these days. Otherwise the D780 is really a very capable hybrid camera. Price will come down over time. Don't understand Nikon's crazy intro prices.

Seems like its right! If you remember Nikon first implemented video in DSLR (D90), but didn't develop it later, First put really high quality FF camera on market (D700, D3), but without video function, after it during the years didn't replaced it to modern camera and gifted that market to Canon 5D series, always used very thick AA filter for NOT get from sensor high resolution (maximum resolution), super success D300 and D300s didn't replaced during the 10 years, but began to put on market very restricted D7000, D7100, D7200 and finally D7500 without battery grip and one card! Except it - always was behind Canon in terms of resolution of their lenses, or almost behind. Just now begin to use fluorite glass in his zoom.

More then it - I know many pro photographers who asked Nikon to give them new cameras or lenses for test, just test few days, and most Nikon even didn't answered to them, and by Canon they got all equipment and even gifts. Except it Nikon has technical problems with pro cameras (D4, even D750, D7000...). Except it they always had a problem with AF, at least they was behind Canon's AF system. Except it the color engine problem, many people wrote million articles about it, but Nikon changed nothing. Canon always listened to customers and from 5D to 5D4 always changed many things. 5D series had evolution - 4 cameras during the 12-13 years, D700 has no evolution. D300 has no evolution. Customers of Nikon never waited D300 mark 2, mark 3, D700 mark 2, mark 3, but customers of Canon had this great chance for follow the modern technological line, and even with bad sensors inside in Canon cameras (banding!!!!! noises!!!!), he outperformed Nikon on market.

@kobakokh Why are you setting blame on a marketing department? The lack of a vertical grip is clearly an executive decision...

gameshoes3003. When after 1 year Nikon will again declare they lost another 92 million USD, they will understand their mistake. You too. But its will be maybe late... When you cutting from customer the mood for buy your products, its a worse you can do. Its very strange, they doesn't getting the experience from their own success before, for example, with D700 and D300 cameras. Someone will think I am a Canon user, but I am a Nikon user and will be same in next 10 years or even more and I very respect and use their great cameras and lenses. Maybe Nikon's marketing department saw they sales very few vertical grips and they thought customers doesn't want it. But its not true - fact is most customers use third party grips, because of they are way cheaper then originals. Increase video functions and cut second battery using possibility from cameras is in fact to cut whole video part. Is it hard to understand? Next 2 years will show to them their mistake, I think...

Second moment: now all payed reviewers by Nikon competitors will pedaling this stupid restrictions in their review, more then it, they will do it as hey doing always, and most customers will even afraid to buy D780. I mean most pro or semi-pro customers, because of amateurs doesn't want 2200 USD FF DSLR. Also its not a hybrid camera, its also lie. Hybrid AF working just in live view mode! Its mean just when you shoot video inf fact, because of DSLR people buy for use mirror, OVF, right? Otherwise there are many great mirror less cameras. Why chinese manufacturers produce and sale so many vertical grips even for D5000 series, with some modifications for use them, because of they also doesn't support it directly? And why customers buy them? Because of video! Put in camera AF on sensor and cut second battery option. And still photographers will use what for vertical shooting? By own hands rotating, right?

At this point, I think the question of who's to blame is moot. Of course the executive has the final say. Engineers generally tell what is feasible. Crippling a camera like this is more a marketing decision than anything.

Nikon engineers are really the best in the business as evidenced by the D850. If Nikon ever fails as a company, one shouldn't blame them. It's the marketers (or executives) that are to blame. I know many people who will give this camera a pass because of its failure to accommodate a battery grip. Really sad, because it is otherwise a remarkable camera in specs and features.

Why not produce a DSLR which can be a mirrorless in the same body? Makes tripod work in liveview mode easier. Maybe they will invent a dual viewfinder so you can switch it to evf aswell.

"They make the best ones". Well, as it was already said, it depends. I.E.: if somone wants a comfortable camera to hold and use an easily understandble menu and also fully functional touchscreen Sony is a no go.

But if someone wants the best AF? Don't count on Nikon.

Since the D850 is still more expensive, wouldn't the correct question to ask be what the D780 can't do that the D850 can?

A. 46 mp, wider AF point spread, superior build quality, better button layout (imo).

@Richard Butler : Cant wait for the test, especially wether the on Sensor phase detect hinderes image quality (dynamic) as well as on the Z6. If so, the d780 is kind of not best of both worlds but worst of both worlds. I am sure its still a great camera nevertheless. I personally would still get a Z6 and enjoy Z Mount lenses, although the 70-200 is disappointing since its not a full new development, or just too similar to the f-mount version...

This is something that I hope other camera makers would add to their exposure setting - and hopefully implemented in such a way that you can abort those very long exposures for the few instances where you simply made a wrong shutter speed setting ... ;-)

NIkon AFP lenses are virtually noiseless and older lenses do have some noise. For any video recording, even cheap external mike will give you better sound, so it is highly recommended to use external mike in all situations.

I was wrong Sonys top A7Riv only has maximum 30P in 4K, as I just checked. The new FF Panasonic I think does 60P in 4K as does the flagship Canon if I am correct.