Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6
57 Imaging
76 Features
89 Overall
81


62 Imaging
74 Features
88 Overall
79
Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Boost to 204800)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 840g - 144 x 116 x 76mm
- Announced January 2020
- Succeeded the Nikon D750
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Raise to 204800)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 675g - 134 x 101 x 68mm
- Announced August 2018
- Replacement is Nikon Z6 II

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Overview
Following is a in depth comparison of the Nikon D780 and Nikon Z6, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Nikon. The sensor resolution of the D780 (25MP) and the Z6 (25MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (Full frame).

The D780 was unveiled 17 months after the Z6 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D780 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon Z6 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the D780 grades vs the Z6 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D780 & Nikon Z6. The full galleries are available at Nikon D780 Gallery & Nikon Z6 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D780 over the Nikon Z6
D780 | Z6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2020 | ![]() | August 2018 | More modern by 17 months |
Display resolution | 2359k | ![]() | 2100k | Crisper display (+259k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon Z6 over the Nikon D780
Z6 | D780 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D780 and Nikon Z6
D780 | Z6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting display |
Display sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 3.2" | Equivalent display sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Physical Comparison
For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D780 has got exterior dimensions of 144mm x 116mm x 76mm (5.7" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 840 grams (1.85 lbs) while the Nikon Z6 has sizing of 134mm x 101mm x 68mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.7") with a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs).
Look at the Nikon D780 and Nikon Z6 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the D780 compared to the Z6.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D780 and Z6 is 57 and 62 respectively.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at technical specs. The image below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the D780 and Z6.
As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels so you can expect similar quality of pictures although you should really consider the age of the products into consideration. The newer D780 will have an edge in sensor technology.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 Specifications
Nikon D780 | Nikon Z6 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Nikon |
Model type | Nikon D780 | Nikon Z6 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Pro Mirrorless |
Announced | 2020-01-07 | 2018-08-23 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed 6 | Expeed 6 |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9mm | 35.9 x 23.9mm |
Sensor surface area | 858.0mm² | 858.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 25MP | 25MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 5:4, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 6048 x 4024 | 6048 x 4024 |
Max native ISO | 51200 | 51200 |
Max enhanced ISO | 204800 | 204800 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Min enhanced ISO | 50 | 50 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 51 | 273 |
Cross type focus points | 15 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 15 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Tilting |
Display size | 3.2 inch | 3.2 inch |
Resolution of display | 2,359k dot | 2,100k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 3,690k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.8x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 900 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 7.0 frames per sec | 12.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | no built-in flash | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | - | 1/200 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max video resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | Yes | Yes |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 840 grams (1.85 lbs) | 675 grams (1.49 lbs) |
Dimensions | 144 x 116 x 76mm (5.7" x 4.6" x 3.0") | 134 x 101 x 68mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 95 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 25.3 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 14.3 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 3299 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 2260 photos | 330 photos |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL15b | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) | XQD card |
Storage slots | Dual | One |
Pricing at release | $2,297 | $1,997 |