Nikon wants to proof us that DSLR isn’t dead yet. Today, the company announced the release date for its new D780 full frame camera as well as the technical specs.
D780 in Stores by the End of January
More than five years after its announcement, the Nikon D750 is about to be replaced. Nikon’s new 24.5 MP, FX-Format camera Nikon D780 succeeds one of its most popular full-frame cameras at a time where the future of DSLR is uncertain. On this basis, Nikon introduces a DSLR with features and benefits that were only available for its Z-Series before. The camera will be available by the end of the month.
Nikon D780: A Camera Body, We’re Used to
Nikon’s new D780 looks a lot like its predecessor. If you want to update your D750, you will quickly adapt to the new model. As it has been the concept of the D750, the D780 combines a smaller body with the technology of the Nikon flagship cameras. The Nikon D780 still offers a 24MP sensor with a 51-point AF system. Nothing really new here. Also, the body is still constructed as a durable all-rounder with a solid grip.
Improvements of the Nikon D780
The Nikon D780 still offers 24.5MP, but now utilizes a backside illumination sensor and state-of-the-art technology. Taking a closer look, we find major improvements, which the D780 gained from Nikon’s high-performance cameras. The AF algorithm comes from the flagship DSLR D5 and offers an advanced detection and tracking performance while shooting through your viewfinder. In live view, Nikon used its experience from the mirrorless Z-series to equip the D780 with a hybrid AF system, which covers about 90% of the frame. This combination of a focal plane phase detection AF and contrast-detect AF offers 273 focal points. For the first time, we also find eye-detection technology in a Nikon DSLR.
Finally, the Nikon D780 also offers 4K video at 30 fps and even 120 fps in full HD. Video enthusiasts can even create HDR videos through the 10-bit HDMI output and the hybrid log-gamma standard.
Shooting Faster and Silent With the Nikon D780
Thanks to Nikon’s experience in the mirrorless segment, you can now shoot silently in live view, using the electronic shutter. Continuous shooting will be possible up to about 7 fps through the viewfinder and even 12 fps in live view. While the D750 couldn’t hold its pace for too long, the D780 got an improved buffer which makes continuous shooting possible for up to approximately 68 frames with a single burst. Shutter speeds now range from 1/8000s to 900s.
Key Improvements of the Nikon D780
- 24.5MP backside illumination CMOS sensor
- Hybrid AF system automatically switches between focal plane Phase Detect AF and Contrast Detect AF
- ISO 50 to ISO 51200 with improved noise reduction
- 4K UHD video with up to 30 fps / Full-HD video with up to 120 fps
- Shutter speed from 1/8000s to 900s
- 12 fps continuous shooting in live view / 7 fps continuous shooting through viewfinder
- 3.2″ 2.35m-dot tilting touchscreen
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Dual SD memory supporting UHS-II standard
Whom Does the Nikon D780 Address?
The Nikon D780 is a camera for all those photographers who don’t want to give modern developments a miss, while still using an advanced DSLR. Especially those photographers who love their D750, will find a modern update in a practice-proven camera body. The improved AF-features as well as the 4K video abilities will make Nikon DSLR lover’s hearts leap for joy.
You can preorder the Nikon D780 here.