Nikon D780: Expensive, but a dependable semi-pro DSLR

It has been more than five years since Nikon launched the D750, a FX format DSLR with a full-frame sensor measuring 36x24mm. With recent advancements in camera tech, the D750 had started to feel dated and that is where the new D780 comes into the picture.

Starting at ₹1.99 lakh (body only), the camera retains the burly design of the predecessor. At 840g with the battery, it feels a tad hefty. Handling the camera is, however, easy as the hand grip is more prominent than in the predecessor, offering firmer grip. There are two card slots, which means ample space on board to shoot videos.

Aimed at the pros, the camera has all the key buttons on the top and back of the body for instant access. Some buttons such as Live view (a shooting mode in which the user sees what the lens is seeing) have been repositioned from the bottom to the top for ease of use. In addition to HDMI and microphone, the camera also includes a USB type C connector, letting users charge the battery directly. The 3.2inch LCD screen on the back is bigger than its predecessor and supports touch input.

The D780 comes with a 24.5MP sensor with Nikon’s Expeed 6 image processor, also used in the Nikon Z 6, which is quite fast and can shoot at 7 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode. It can record 4K videos at 30fps and supports face detection focus. Ramesh Pathania, one of our photojournalist, felt the D780 is easy to handle and ideal for creators who want to make quality videos or films. He used it both in daylight and indoor light and did not find anything to complain about in either scenarios. Picture quality is great with skin tones perfect in portraits, he said.

The D780 is not a compact camera, but it’s a dependable hybrid DSLR sitting between the D810 and the mirrorless Nikon Z6.