Nikon D780
Announced January 6, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon D780 is a robust, well-built DSLR that successfully integrates modern mirrorless autofocus and video capabilities into a familiar, ergonomic form factor. Although it lacks some contemporary features like in-body image stabilization and a focus joystick, it remains a highly capable tool for photographers who prefer an optical viewfinder and F-mount compatibility.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality 4K video recording with 10-bit output
- Impressive battery life and robust, weather-sealed build
- Advanced live view autofocus with reliable face and eye detection
- Versatile features including dual UHS-II card slots and long exposure modes
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
Cons
- Limited viewfinder autofocus coverage and lack of built-in flash
- Absence of in-body image stabilization
- High price point relative to mirrorless alternatives
- Lack of a dedicated focus joystick or thumb pad
- Inability to attach a vertical battery grip
- Launch price $2,299.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.5MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 29.97p
- Burst 12 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 87/100
The Nikon D780 is a fabulous all-around stills and video camera for folks who prefer the DSLR-format. It's well-built, comfortable to shoot with and highly customizable.
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[T]he Nikon D780 is another great DSLR camera from Nikon.
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The result may not have groundbreaking headline specifications like 61 megapixels or 153 autofocus points, but in practice this is a seriously good and thoughtfully improved camera.
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The D780 arrives a bit late for those who’ve already jumped ship to Nikon’s excellent Z-series, or other full-frame mirrorless system, but this doesn’t take anything away from what is a sensational camera that’s built to a professional standard and is a sheer delight to use.
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If you like optical viewfinders and cameras that qualify for, “Jack of all trades, master of…quite a few, actually!” …then you should get the D780.
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The D780 is a really good camera, as you're about to find out; it's one of Nikon's most refined products.
- WIRED 7/10
The hulking Nikon D780 goes against the grain and proves that there's still a place for big DSLRs, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist.
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For people who are familiar with Nikon DSLRs, the D780 will feel like "an old friend", with excellent handling and ergonomics, along with the latest technology and advances borrowed from the Nikon Z mirrorless range.
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The new Nikon D780 is a new kind of DSLR for creators that retains the rugged reliability of the highly-revered D750, while inheriting features from the Nikon Z series, making it powerful and versatile to capture anything from fast-action sports to beautiful night skies.
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The Nikon D780 is an exciting development in DSLR design that incorporates the on-sensor autofocus and video capabilities of mirrorless cameras and closes the gap between these two types of camera.
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The Nikon D780 is as good an SLR as you'll find, but it doesn't offer some of the advantages you get with mirrorless cameras.
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We hear a lot of talk about the death of the DSLR, and the unstoppable rise of mirrorless.
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Now, I know those are sales and this is a full retail value; however, I think this is going to start to push the Nikon D780 to sale very quickly because it just doesn't compete with those cameras that are on sale [...]
- Digital Trends 7/10
If you want a DSLR, the full-frame Nikon D780 is the one to buy.
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If you don’t need more than 24 megapixels (and let’s be honest, how many people do?), the D780 is a great DSLR. If I owned one, it really would now be my go-to camera for most assignments.
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Fantastic dynamic range, excellent signal-to-noise ratio in the high ISO range and intuitive and comfortable controls make this a fabulous camera to use in the dark and it performs well across multiple disciplines, not just for astro.
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The Nikon D780 has proven to be quite an impressive camera in its own right. By adopting some of its mirrorless cousin’s greatest strengths while staying true to its nature, it has in effect helped make DSLRs relevant again in a mirrorless world.
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Great images, great battery life, a top-notch movie mode and excellent usability – the Nikon D780 gets pretty much everything right for the price.
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There’s nothing particularly headline grabbing about the D780, but we found the D780 to be a grower with some very desirable qualities.
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A Nikon D780 review confirms this is the best hybrid DSLR in 2026, and it remains the smart choice for photographers who own F-mount glass and shoot primarily stills.
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Yeah, so if you're a person that is not completely ready for mirrorless and you prefer the bigger bodies and the proper feel of a DSLR, this is definitely going to hit you in the right spot.
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If you shoot mostly photographs and you like an OVF, then this obviously is a better choice, and if you don't need video too much, then really look at the older DSLR cameras.
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The D780 is a joy to shoot because it's a real DSLR, not some watered-down mirrorless garbage for amateurs. Unlike mirrorless, everything works instantly; there's no delay or waiting for anything.
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My summary here is that there are substantial upgrades to focus, which would certainly make a strong case to upgrade from the D750, and there are a few more focus capabilities like focus shift and features like low-light AF autofocus.
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Really, this is a huge win on Nikon's part and a well-rounded and worthy successor indeed.
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If you are going to have a new system camera, there is a lot more to choose from.
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The Nikon D780 is essentially that same body for DSLRs. It has the legacy compatibility while embracing newer features as well.
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Nikon have somehow and successfully fused the best elements of mirrorless tech, such as their autofocus system and electronic AF features, into a body that a lot of people are familiar with and still to this day enjoy shooting on the DSLR form factor.
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The D780 represents a major step forward in Nikon’s DSLR line, and its hybrid nature is likely to appeal to both professionals and enthusiasts, as will its price of $2,297 for the body.
