Nikon D780 Evaluation: An Assessment of This High-Performance Camera Model
Nikon D780: A Hybrid DSLR for Underwater Photography
The Nikon D780 is making waves in the photography world, offering a unique blend of traditional DSLR and modern mirrorless features. This camera is particularly appealing for underwater photographers, who can benefit from its robust design, advanced autofocus system, and compatibility with a wide range of lenses.
One of the standout features of the D780 is its video capability, which significantly outperforms that of the D750. The camera can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, making it an ideal choice for capturing high-quality underwater footage.
The D780 also boasts an improved LCD resolution of 2.4 million dots, ensuring sharp and clear visibility during live view shooting. Its live view focus system is equipped with a 273-point on-sensor phase detect AF system, which offers accurate autofocus tracking, similar to the Z6. In fact, this system is said to be borrowed from the flagship D5's 51-point AF system.
For underwater photographers, the D780 offers a traditional DSLR body that is often considered more rugged and easier to handle in bulky underwater housing. The optical viewfinder provides a natural, lag-free view, which some photographers prefer underwater. Additionally, the camera is compatible with a vast range of Nikon F-mount lenses, including many specialized underwater lenses.
However, the D780 is bigger and heavier than mirrorless cameras, which could potentially cause more fatigue during long dives. Its autofocus system, while very capable, is older than that of the Z6.
The Nikon Z6, on the other hand, is a mirrorless camera that offers a more compact and lighter system, easing handling underwater. Its excellent autofocus system with on-sensor phase detection performs well in low contrast and low light conditions, common underwater. The Z6 also features in-body 5-axis image stabilization, which helps reduce blur in handheld underwater shots.
The Z6's electronic viewfinder provides a preview of exposure settings, beneficial when light conditions change underwater. It also gives access to the new generation of Z-mount lenses, which are noted for their sharpness and fast apertures, improving image quality in challenging light.
However, the Z6 requires a more specialized underwater housing due to its mirrorless form and electronic viewfinder. Currently, there are fewer native underwater lens options compared to Nikon’s F-mount system, though adapters are available. The original Z6 also comes with a single memory card slot, which may be less ideal for important underwater shoots where redundancy is crucial.
In conclusion, the D780 offers the ruggedness, optical viewfinder, and lens range favored by many traditional underwater shooters, while the Z6 provides a lighter setup with advanced autofocus and stabilization suited for dynamic underwater environments. The choice depends on user preference for handling, lens availability, and specific underwater photography needs. Both bodies are capable but fit different shooting styles.
[1] For those looking to step into a full-frame system without going mirrorless, the D780 is a perfect choice. Its battery life is rated at 2260 shots, almost 7 times longer than Z series cameras. Its image quality from the sensor has proven to be excellent for a mid-range full-frame DSLR. Its video capability and quality are similar to the Nikon Z6, which uses the full width of the sensor to shoot 4K. The D780 also features a new phase-detect AF system in live view, capable of autofocus tracking, and an additional dedicated AF-on button compared to the D750.
- The D780's battery life is rated at 2260 shots, nearly 7 times longer than Z series cameras, offering a durable solution for underwater photographers.
- The D780 delivers excellent image quality from its sensor, making it an attractive option for those transitioning to a full-frame system without embracing mirrorless technology.
- The D780's video capability and quality are comparable to those of the Nikon Z6, capturing 4K video with outstanding efficiency.
- In live view, the D780 features a new phase-detect AF system, which is capable of autofocus tracking, a feature reminiscent of the D5's 51-point AF system.
- To further enhance the user experience, the D780 includes a dedicated AF-on button that was absent in the D750.
- Moving to the realm of compact and lightweight underwater cameras, the nudibranch in bluewater would be well-served by the nimble Nikon Z6.
- The Z6's video capabilities excel in low contrast and low light conditions, ideal for capturing dynamic underwater footage of colorful coral and elusive marine life such as a bluewater nudibranch.
- The mirrorless Z6 offers a smaller and lighter system, allowing greater comfort during long, underwater dives for diligent divers.
- For those passionate about macro photography, gadget-loving underwater photographers can upgrade their technology arsenal by exploring various gadgets to enhance their work, whether they choose the D780 or the Z6.
