DPReview Published Nikon D780 Review (87% Overall Score)

DPReview published their Nikon D780 review and test results: The new Nikon D780 camera gets an impressive 87% overall score and Silver Award from the experts at DPReview.

Nikon D780 Key Features:

  • 24.5MP back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
  • EXPEED 6 image processor
  • Records 3840 x 2160 video at 30/25/24p
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170-degree viewing angle
  • Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dual UHS-II SD/SDHC card slots
  • ISO 100-51,200 range (expandable to 204,800)
  • Compatible with FX format lenses

What we like:

  • Excellent resolution, dynamic range and high ISO performance
  • Lovely JPEG color
  • Superb build quality and weather-sealing
  • Excellent through the finder AF tracking
  • Good face detect reliability in live view and through the finder
  • Reliable live view eye detect
  • Deep buffer when shooting bursts
  • Beautiful oversampled UHD 4K video
  • 10-bit Log footage to external recorder
  • Video and stills settings can be ‘sandboxed’ from one another
  • Minimal rolling shutter when shooting 4K video with DX crop
  • Usable silent shutter mode
  • Easy to use, mostly reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Microphone and headphone ports
  • Responsive tilting touchscreen
  • USB charging
  • Excellent battery life

What we don’t:

  • Live view subject tracking not reliable and cumbersome to engage
  • No AF joystick or touchpad option
  • Through the finder AF coverage feels limited
  • Different AF-area modes in live view vs through the finder
  • Camera’s highest 12fps burst rate hampered by significant rolling shutter
  • Default JPEG noise reduction can be a tad aggressive
  • Some noticeable shutter shock at slower speeds with longer focal lengths
  • No built-in flash
  • In-body stabilization would be beneficial, particularly for video shooting

Conclusion from DPReview:

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. Autofocus performance is, for the most part, excellent. But inconsistencies between live view autofocus and through the finder autofocus may cause some confusion. Still, battery life is great and a dedicated smartphone app offers good connectivity.

Nikon D780 Body: $2,296.95 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Nikon D780 with 24-120mm Lens: $2,796.95 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon D780 and Best Memory Cards for Nikon D780.