NIKON D780
We put the new DSLR through its paces
Although most of the cameras launched recently are mirrorless, there are still plenty of photographers who like the larger size, optical viewfinder and traditional design of a DSLR. The introduction of the Nikon D780, the replacement to the D750, will be music to their ears.
However, despite its mirrored design, the D780 has the same 24.5MP backside-illuminated (BSI) full-frame sensor as the Nikon Z 6. This means the D780 has a 273-point hybrid autofocus (AF) system available for use in Live View and video mode. This is the first time Nikon has employed phase-detection focusing for Live View or video. It’s been a long time coming and is something Canon did ages ago. It means that the focusing in Live View and video mode is vastly improved over previous incarnations in earlier Nikon DSLRs, and it can be used when the camera is handheld or the subject is moving. Further good news is that it features Eye-Detection AF for stills photography, which is very handy for portrait and social situations.
As it’s a DSLR, the D780 also has an AF system for use when images are composed in the viewfinder. This uses a dedicated sensor with 51 selectable AF points. Of these points, 15 are cross-type, and there’s the usual array of AF-point selection modes (single-point AF, 9, 21, or 51-point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, group-area AF, auto-area AF). Again, this is fast and effective, but the points are gathered frustratingly close to the centre of the frame.
While it uses the image sensor for exposure metering in Live View mode, Nikon has given the D780 the same 180k-pixel RGB sensor and Advanced Scene Recognition as the D850 for use with the viewfinder. These help with the metering, white balance and focusing, and on the whole they do a great job.
The D780’s sensor is paired with Nikon’s latest processing engine, EXPEED 6. As well as enabling a sensitivity range of ISO 10051,200 (expandable to ISO 50-204,800) and a maximum shooting rate of 12fps in Silent
Live View Photography mode, it powers 4K (3,840x2,160) video at 30p/25p/24p with no cropping. It’s also possible to record footage in N-Log, giving greater scope for post-capture grading. There’s Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) mode for those wanting to view their video on compatible televisions.
According to Nikon, if the viewfinder is used exclusively the D780 has a battery life of 2,260 shots. That’s a lifespan that’s likely to turn mirrorless-camera users green with envy. Even when shooting in the freezing conditions of Iceland and using Live View mode a lot, I was able to capture over 600 images and a few video clips during the course of the day on a single battery. What’s more, I had SnapBridge on throughout, sending images to my phone.
Although the D780 is the successor to the D750, its control layout is not identical. While this means that upgrading requires a little adjustment, the D780’s controls are slightly better placed than the older camera’s. On the back of the camera, for example, the switch for changing between stills and video mode, and the Live View activation button, have moved from the bottom of the back of the camera to a new position to the right of the viewfinder. That makes it easier to reach with your thumb.
And on the right of the top of the camera, the three small buttons are now clustered more closely around the shutter button, making them easier to find when you’re looking in the viewfinder. It’s also worth noting that the metering button has been replaced by a sensitivity (ISO) button. The matrix metering system is reliable, but if you need one of the other options they can be accessed via the Information menu that comes up when you press the ‘i’ button.
Like its predecessor, the D780 is constructed from magnesium alloy and has dust and weatherproof seals. These were tested thoroughly in Iceland (and subsequently) and withstood ice spray, heavy rain and blasting by sand from a beach. The grip is also nice and deep, which helps to make the camera feel well balanced, even when a long lens is mounted.
The D780 has an optical viewfinder, and while it can’t make dark scenes easier to see or show the impact of camera settings, it is large, bright and clear. Nevertheless, should you ever need to focus manually, it’s easier to do with the Live View image magnified. In addition, the screen can show the impact of camera settings and show a dark scene as it will appear in the final image. That’s very useful for long-exposure and nighttime shots.
The screen is very responsive to touch, and this combined with the speedy autofocusing encourages you to use the camera away from your eye. It’s a shame that Nikon opted for just a tilting screen rather than a vari-angle one, as it would make life that little bit easier.