Nikon D780 (body only) 24.5-megapixel DSLR camera with Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®

Recording Features
Wireless Functions
Play, Print and Edit Features
Battery Information
Computer Requirements

Recording Features

Overview: The Nikon D780 is a full-frame high resolution DSLR, and the successor to the popular D750. It has a 24.5MP FX-format sensor, the EXPEED 6 processor, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The camera has the Nikon F bayonet mount, and is compatible with Nikon AF NIKKOR lenses, including Type G, E, and D lenses, as well as DX lenses. No lenses are included with this "body only" kit.

Image Sensor: The Nikon D780 is equipped with an FX-format, 35.9 x 23.9mm CMOS image sensor with 25.28 million total pixels (and 24.5 million effective pixels). The Nikon FX format enables photographers to take advantage of the familiar perspective characteristics of 35mm film photography. You can choose to shoot in the FX format (36 x 24 image area), or switch to DX format (24 x 16). You can also switch the image area to 1:1 (24 x 24) or 16:9 (36 x 20) to shoot in an aspect ratio other than 3:2.

Body Construction: The D780 is constructed with rugged magnesium alloy and carbon fiber materials for extreme durability. The camera is thoroughly sealed to keep out dust and moisture, especially around the buttons and moving parts.

EXPEED 6 Image Processor: Nikon's EXPEED 6 image processor is the newest generation found in Nikon's DSLR line. The processor provides for exceptional photo and video quality, fast auto focusing, color reproduction, and low-light performance.

Dual Media Slots: The D780 has dual media slots that can accommodate two SD Memory cards at once. Images are recorded onto SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. The camera supports both UHS-I and UHS-II cards in both slots. For best movie recording and playback, UHS Speed Class 3 or better are recommended. No memory card is supplied with the camera. In the menu, you can choose the role of the card in Slot 2 as follows:

• Overflow: The card in Slot 2 is used only when the card in Slot 1 is full.
• Backup: Each picture is recorded twice, once to the card in Slot 1 and again to the card in Slot 2.
• RAW Slot 1/JPEG Slot 2: Same as Backup, except that when shooting in NEF/RAW + JPEG, the NEF/RAW + JPEG images are saved to the card in Slot 1 and the JPEG images are saved to the card in Slot 2.

Memory Buffer: The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession.

LCD Monitor: The Nikon D780 features 3.2-inch, 2,359,000-dot (VGA), color TFT LCD monitor with a 170° wide viewing angle and 100% frame coverage. The monitor has an 11-level adjustable brightness control using an ambient brightness sensor. The D780 features a Live View that lets you use the monitor in place of the camera's viewfinder to confirm your subject and composition while shooting.

Optical Viewfinder: In addition to the LCD monitor, the D780 has an eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage in FX and 16:9 formats (97% in 1:1 and DX formats). It has a diopter adjustment knob so you can set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without eyeglasses). The bright and sharp viewfinder makes focusing in low-light situations possible. The viewfinder offers approximately 0.7x magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity). Installed on the viewfinder is the DK-31 Rubber Eyecup. When not taking photos with your eye to the viewfinder, you should remove the rubber eyecup and insert the supplied DK-5 Eyepiece Cap to prevent light from entering the viewfinder. The viewfinder uses a Type-B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen with AF area brackets and on-demand grid lines for clear and accurate focusing of your subject.

Electronic Virtual Horizon: The innovative Virtual Horizon provides instant, accurate confirmation of the D780's position relative to horizontal level. When using Live View, you can choose to display the virtual horizon on the LCD, a feature ideal for landscape and architecture photography. You can also level the D780 while looking through the viewfinder using the convenient analog scale.

Still Image Size/Quality: The D780 records still images in JPEG and NEF (RAW) formats. It can also record in both NEF (RAW) + JPEG formats simultaneously. JPEG images can set to fine (1:4 compression), normal (1:8), or basic (1:16) image quality. NEF (RAW) images can be recorded in 12-bit or 16-bit, lossless compressed or compressed. The "NEF (RAW) Processing" feature lets you save images in the camera in other formats. You can adjust and re-adjust settings, such as exposure compensation and white balance, using Nikon's NX Studio software, available for download. Depending upon the selected format (image area), you can choose from the following image sizes:

Movies: The camera can record 4K and Full HD movies in MOV format with MPEG-4/H.264 advanced video coding and Linear PCM and AAC audio. Audio is recorded using the built-in stereo microphone, or an external stereo microphone. Image quality can be set to High or Normal. The available movie options include:

Autofocus System: The D780 features a 273-point AF system during Live View and a 51-point Autofocus system during viewfinder photography. The system selects the focus point that best applies to the subject, demonstrating an outstanding level of precision, even when shooting in constantly changing conditions. Eye-detection AF is available when shooting portraits in Live View using auto-area AF.

AF-Area Modes: The D780 offers a choice of four focus area modes that together cover a wide area of the frame. The AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected and what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is still focusing. You can choose one of the following AF-area modes:

• Single-Point AF: The camera will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only.
• Dynamic Area AF: The camera offers a choice of three different size areas to match the movement of the subject, using groups of 9, 21 or all 51 focus points.
• 3D-Tracking: In AF-A or AF-C focus mode, the camera will track subjects that leave the selected focus point and select new focus points as required.
• Group Area AF: The camera focuses using a group of focus points that you select. This reduces the risk that the camera will focus on the background instead of the main subject.
• Auto Area AF: The camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point. If a face is detected, the camera will give priority to the portrait subject.

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following focus modes:

• Auto-servo AF: camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus is subject is stationary, or continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving.
• Single-servo Autofocus (AF-S): focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The focus remains locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The picture will only be taken when the in-focus indicator is displayed. Recommended for stationary subjects.
• Continuous-servo Autofocus (AF-C): camera focuses continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken whether or not the camera is in focus. Recommended for moving subjects.

Predictive Focus Tracking: In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the AF-ON button is pressed. This allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the final composition.

Release Modes: The release mode determines how the camera takes photographs. The release mode ring is located around the Mode Dial on the top of the camera. You can choose from the following shooting modes:

• Single Frame (S): Camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed
• Continuous Low Speed (CL): While shutter-release button is held down, the camera records 1 to 6 frames per second, as selected in the menu. In Live View, the maximum rate is 3 fps.
• Continuous High Speed (CH): While the shutter-release button is held down, the camera records up to 7 frames per second (determined by the power source used and image area selected).
• Quiet Shutter-Release (Q): During single frame shooting, noise is reduced by disabling the beeps and minimizing the sound produced when the mirror drops back into place.
• Quiet Continuous (QC): While the shutter-release button is held down, the camera takes photos at up to 3 frames per second, but with reduced camera noise.
• Self-Timer: Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake; you can set the self-timer to 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
• Mirror Up (MUP): Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs

Interval Timer Photography: The D780 is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Shooting will begin about 3 seconds after the interval is set or you can set a start time. You can select the number of intervals (up to 9999), and the number of shots taken per interval (up to 9). The images can be replayed at rates from 24 times to 36,000 times faster than normal. The images can be saved as a movie file (in 16:9 aspect ratio).

Shooting Modes: The Shooting Modes determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. You can choose from the following modes:

• Auto Mode (Auto): This simple "point-and-shoot" mode allows the camera to make the exposure settings.
• Programmed Auto (P): camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure according to a built-in program; recommended for snapshots and other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings
• Shutter-Priority Auto (S): user chooses shutter speed while camera sets aperture for best results; use to freeze or blur motion. The shutter speed can be set from 30 to 1/8000 seconds.
• Aperture-Priority Auto (A): user chooses aperture while camera sets shutter speed for best results; use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground and background into focus for landscape shots
• Manual (M): user controls both shutter speed and aperture for complete control over exposure
• User Modes (U1/U2): Frequently used settings can be assigned to one of two User positions on the mode dial: U1 and U2.
• Special Effects (EFCT): Special effects can be used when taking photographs and movies. You can choose from the following effects: Night vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, and Low Key.

Long Time-Exposures: When Bulb shooting is selected, the shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is held down. Bulb shooting is used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks (an optional tripod and optional remote cord are recommended to prevent blur). Time shooting is similar, with the shutter opening when the shutter-release button is pressed and released (on the camera or an optional remote cord), and remaining open for 30 minutes, or until the button is pressed a second time. Bulb and Time shooting can only be performed in the Manual exposure mode.

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. When shooting photos, you can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV. For movies, exposure compensation is -3.0 to +3.0 EV (1/3 EV or 1/2 EV).

Metering: The D780 utilizes through-the-lens (TTL) metering using the camera's 91,000-pixel RGB sensor. You can choose one of the following metering methods:

• 3D Color Matrix III: If using a type G, E, or D lens, you can utilize 3D Color Matrix Metering III (or Color Matrix Metering III with other CPU lenses). The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural results
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight (75%) to the area in the circle in the center of the frame. The diameter of the circle can be set to 8, 12, 15, or 20mm, or weighting can be based on the average of the entire frame. (Non-CPU lenses use a 12mm circle or average of entire frame.)
• Spot: The camera meters inside a 4mm diameter circle (approximately 1.5% of frame). The circle is centered on the selected focus area, making it possible to meter off-center subjects.
• Highlight-weighted: The camera assigns the greatest weight to highlights to reduce the loss of details in the highlights. An example would be when photographing a spotlighted performer on a stage. Available with type G, E, and D lenses, it is equivalent to center-weighted when other lenses are used.

Multiple Exposure: This feature records a series of two or three exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. You can choose one of the following white balance options: Auto (Normal, Keep White (reduce warm colors), Keep Overal Atmosphere, Keep Warm Lighting Colors), Natural Light Auto, Direct Sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Sodium-vapor lamps, Warm-white, White, Cool-white, Day White, Daylight, High temperature mercury-vapor lamps), or Flash. You can also choose a color temperature from a list of values (2500K-10000K), or manually set the white balance using the subject, light source, or existing photograph in the memory card as reference. The White Balance Fine Tuning feature allows you to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image by adjusting the amber, blue, green and magenta color settings.

Bracketing: Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, "bracketing" the current value. You can set the increment to 1/3, 2/3, 1, 2, or 3 EV, and the number of shots to 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9. In exposure, flash level, and ADL bracketing, multiple shots are required to complete the "bracket" as the camera will vary the settings with each shot. With white balance bracketing, the camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. Bracketing can be combined with continuous shooting or the self timer modes.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. You can set the ISO Sensitivity to Auto or Manual. You can manually select settings of ISO 100 to ISO 51200 in steps of 1/3 EV. For special occasions, expanded settings of Lo 0.3 to Lo 1.0 (equivalent to ISO 80 to 50), and Hi 0.3 to Hi 2 (equivalent to ISO 64000 to 204800) are available.

Noise Reduction: Photos taken at high ISO sensitivities can be processed to reduce noise. The amount of noise reduction performed can be set to High, Normal, or Low.

Preset Picture Controls: The camera offers seven preset Nikon Picture Controls. You can choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene:

• Auto: the camera automatically adjusts hues and tones based on the standard picture control.
• Standard: standard processing for balanced results; recommended for most situations
• Neutral: minimal processing for natural results; recommended for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched
• Vivid: pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photo-print effect; recommended for photos that emphasize primary colors
• Monochrome: takes monochrome photographs
• Portrait: process portrait for skin with natural texture and a rounded feel
• Landscape: produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes
• Flat: details are preserved over a wide tone range, from highlights to shadows.

Picture Control Settings: The Preset Picture Controls listed above can be modified to suit a particular scene or your creative content. The following manual adjustments can be made:

• Effect Level: mute or heighten the effect of Creative Picture Controls
• Quick Sharp: quickly adjusts levels for the following:
  • Sharpening: controls the sharpness of outlines
  • Mid-range Sharpening: adjusts the sharpness of patterns and lines
  • Clarity: adjust overall sharpness and the sharpness of thicker outlines without affecting brightness or dynamic range
• Contrast: increase or decrease the contrast of your subject
• Brightness: reduce or enhance brightness level without affecting exposure
• Saturation: reduce or increase your subject's saturation
• Hue: adjust your subject's hue
• Filter Effects (for monochrome): simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs (yellow, orange, red, green or off)
• Toning (for monochrome): choose the tint used in monochrome photographs (B&W, Sepia, Cyanotype, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue Green, Blue, Purple Blue, or Red Purple)

Color Space: The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. You can select either sRGB for photos that will be printed or used "as is" with no further modification, or Adobe RGB for images that will be extensively processed or retouched after leaving the camera. The downloadable NX Studio software automatically selects the correct color space when opening photographs taken with the D780. Results cannot be guaranteed with third-party software.

Active D-Lighting: Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Active D-Lighting offers the following application strength levels: Auto, Low, Normal, High, Extra High and Off.

Flash Modes: The D780 has a hot shoe for an optional flash, such as a Nikon Speedlight. You can take pictures with one or more remote flash units. The following flash modes are supported:

• Fill Flash (front-curtain sync): This mode is recommended for most situations.
• Red-Eye Reduction: The red-eye reduction lamp lights for approximately one second before the flash fires to reduce the red-eye effect.
• Slow Sync: Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light. (Tripod recommended)
• Red-Eye Reduction With Slow Sync: Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync for use with portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery. (Tripod recommended)
• Rear-Curtain Sync: The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating effect of stream of light following moving subjects. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto, slow rear-curtain sync is used to capture both subject and background. (Tripod recommended)
• Flash Off: flash does not fire

Optional Speedlights: The Nikon D780 supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Optional flash units, such as the SB-R200, SB-300, SB-400, SB-500, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, and SB-5000, can be attached directly to the camera accessory shoe. The SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander can be used as a commander for remote Speedlight flash units in up to three groups.

Flash Compensation: Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from -3 EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV to change the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

Streaming Webcam: Using Nikon's Webcam Utility software, you can use the camera to live stream high quality video on many of the popular video conferencing software platforms. You will need to connect the camera to your computer via the included USB cable. The camera's microphone will not capture sound, so a separate microphone is needed, plugged into the computer's microphone port. Optional accessories include a tripod or other mount, and a constant light source. The software works with many of your favorite streaming apps, including Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Microsoft Teams. Nikon's Webcam Utility is compatible with Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise (64-bit only) and macOS Big Sur (Version 11), macOS Catalina (Version 10.15), macOS Mojave (Version 10.14), and macOS High Sierra (Version 10.13).

Wireless Functions

Wi-Fi: The Nikon D780 features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac; 2.4GHz/5GHz) for connecting the camera to your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can connect through a wireless router or directly using the camera's Wi-Fi connection. The optional WT-7 Wireless Transmitter lets you control the camera and save photos to the computer as they are taken.

Bluetooth: In addition to Wi-Fi, the camera can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. When connected via Bluetooth, you can control the camera remotely. Functions include shooting and playing back still images and movies, achieving focus by "half-pressing" the shutter release button, start/stop interval timer photography, time-lapse photography, and focus shift shooting.

SnapBridge: The SnapBridge app is required on your smartphone or tablet when connecting the camera wirelessly. With the app, you can download pictures from the camera (existing pictures, and as they are taken), recording location data from your device to your photos, and control the camera remotely from your smart device. The SnapBridge app is available for devices with iOS 10.0 or later, or Android 5.0 and up.

Play, Print and Edit Features

Auto Image Rotation: Photographs taken while Auto Image Rotation is set to "On" contain information on camera orientation, and allow the images to be rotated automatically during playback.

Playback Menu: The playback menu contains the following options:

• Delete: allows you to delete the current image, all images taken on selected dates, or all images.
• Playback Folder: allows you to play back the images in a named folder, all pictures in all folders, or just the pictures in the current folder.
• Display Options: You can choose whether to display the focus points used when the photo was taken. You can also select other types of information to display, such as exposure information, highlights, histogram, shooting data, an overview, or no information.
• Copy Images: copy pictures from one memory card to another, when two memory cards are inserted
• Image Review: When this setting is enabled, the camera displays the image on the LCD monitor immediately after the picture is taken.
• After Delete: choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted (next, previous, continue)
• Rotate Tall: portrait-orientation ("tall") photos are displayed in tall orientation during playback
• Slide Show: allows you to play back images one after the other in a slide-show fashion. You can select the type of images to display, and how long each photo will be displayed.
• Rating: You can rate pictures from 0 to 5 stars, or select the picture as a candidate for future deletion

Single-Image Playback: During single-image playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view four (2x2), nine (3x3), or 72 (9 x 8) images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 24x for large FX format images, up to 18x for medium images, and up to 12x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can move it around on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

Retouch Menu: The Retouched Menu allows you to create trimmed, resized or retouched copies of the photographs you have taken on the memory card. The Retouch Menu gives you the following editing options: NEF (RAW) processing, Trim, Resize, D-Lighting, Quick Retouch, Red-eye correction, Straighten, Distortion control, Perspective control, Monochrome, Image overlay, and Trim movie.

Image Comment: The camera allows you to input up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text and save it to a recorded image. The comment can be viewed as metadata in the downloadable NX Studio software.

Battery Information

Battery: The D780 is powered by the EN-EL15b Lithium-ion battery (7.0V / 1900mAh / 14Wh). A fully-charged EN-EL15b can provide enough power for approximately 2260 shots or approximately 95 minutes of movie recording. The battery charges in approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes using the supplied MH-25a battery charger. You can also use the higher capacity EN-EL15c, sold separately, as a spare battery.

Optional AC Adapter: You can power the camera for extended periods on ordinary household current with the EP-5B power connector and EH-5d, EH-5c, or EH-5b AC adapter.

Computer Requirements

SuperSpeed USB: The Nikon D780 utilizes a SuperSpeed USB port for connecting the camera to a computer. The UC-E24 USB cable is supplied with the camera, with a Type A 3.0 USB connection on one end (computer) and a USB-C connector on the other (camera) end.

NX Studio: No software is included in the box with the camera. NX Studio is a new all-in-one software for viewing, processing, and editing your still images and videos. The software integrates all the benefits and functions of Nikon's ViewNX-i and Capture NX-D into a highly functional single software solution. With NX Studio, you can edit your photos using picture controls, white balance settings, and exposure compensation for RAW data. New features include color control points to adjust a specific area of a photo, and a retouch brush feature for advanced color correction. NX Studio works with JPEG, TIFF, and NEF (RAW) files. NX Studio is available as a free download, and works with the following Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and macOS Big Sur (ver.11), Catalina (ver.10.15), and Mojave (ver.10.14)