Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z9

Below is a complete analysis of the Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z9, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are designed by Nikon. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the D780 (25MP) and Z9 (46MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (Full frame).

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The D780 was brought out 22 months earlier than the Z9 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D780 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon Z9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the D780 grades vs the Z9 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D780 & Nikon Z9. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon D780 Gallery & Nikon Z9 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon D780 enjoys outside 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) and the Nikon Z9 has proportions of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") along with a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z9 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the D780 versus the Z9.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D780 and Z9 is 57 and 51 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D780 and Z9.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Nikon Z9 to render extra detail having its extra 21MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older D780 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.