Nikon D780 Nikon D780 DSLR Camera with 24-120mm Lens Review

So you're looking at the Nikon D780 with the 24-120mm lens kit. This is Nikon's last great DSLR, a full-frame workhorse that sits in a weird but interesting spot. It's for photographers who love the optical viewfinder and battery life of a DSLR but want some of the video and live-view features from mirrorless cameras. With a 24.5MP sensor, 4K video, and solid autofocus, it's a do-it-all camera for a certain kind of shooter. Prices are all over the place, from around $1,550 to over $2,000, so shopping around is key.

The D780 feels fast and responsive. That 12fps burst speed is legit, and the autofocus system lands in the 88th percentile. In practice, that means it's reliable for tracking moving subjects, whether it's kids playing sports or wildlife. The video specs are surprisingly good for a DSLR, hitting the 70th percentile with 4K30 and 10-bit output via HDMI. The sensor itself is fine, but it's not the star here. It's a generation or two behind what you get in modern mirrorless cameras, which shows in the 31st percentile ranking. For stills, it's more than enough. For video, the external recording options help a lot.

The value proposition hinges entirely on the price you find. At the low end, around $1,550, it's a compelling option for a full-frame DSLR with great video features. At the high end, pushing $2,050, it's a harder sell when you can get a modern mirrorless camera for similar money. If you're deep into Nikon's F-mount lens system and don't want to switch, the D780 is your best bet for a hybrid shooter. If you're starting fresh, the money might be better spent elsewhere.

Let's talk competitors. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a mirrorless beast that runs circles around the D780 for video and autofocus, and it has stabilization. But it's more expensive. The Sony a7R IV offers insane 61MP resolution in a smaller body, but again, at a higher cost. For a more direct price match, look at the Fujifilm X-S20. It's APS-C, not full-frame, but it's a video powerhouse with stabilization and a flip screen, and it's much lighter for travel. The Pentax K-3 Mark III is the only other high-end DSLR left, and it's built like a tank with great weather sealing, but it's also APS-C. The D780's niche is being the most capable DSLR for someone who also shoots serious video.

Should you buy the Nikon D780? It depends. If you're a Nikon DSLR user with a bag of F-mount lenses and you've been itching for better video features without switching systems, this is your camera. Grab it at the lower end of the price range. For everyone else, especially beginners or people looking for a travel-friendly camera, it's a tougher sell. The lack of stabilization, the heavy weight, and the dated design hold it back. There are more modern, capable, and versatile options out there unless you're specifically committed to the DSLR way of shooting.