Nikon D780
full-frame DSLR · 2020
Nikon Z8
Stacked 45 MP · 8K 60p · Pro hybrid
Nikon Z8 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D780 lands at 84 and Nikon Z8 at 95. That puts Nikon Z8 ahead by 11 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon D780 if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Nikon Z8 if…
- ✓Z9 sensor in compact body
- ✓8K 60p RAW internal
- ✓Class-leading EVF
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testErgonomics
Nikon Z8Compared on the ergonomics sub-score
Nikon Z8 leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86).
Video
Nikon Z8Compared on the video sub-score
Nikon Z8 leads on video (96 vs 76).
Value for money
Nikon D780Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon D780 more score per dollar ($2,299 vs $3,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon D780 | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame DSLR | — |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
| Sensor | — | 45.4 MP stacked CMOS (8256×5504) |
| Mount | — | Nikon Z |
| Burst | — | 20 fps RAW / 30 fps JPEG / 120 fps reduced-res |
| Video | — | 8.3K 60p 12-bit N-RAW · 4K 120p |
| AF | — | 3D-Tracking + 9 subject types |
| Storage | — | CFexpress B + SD UHS-II |
| Weight | — | 910 g |
Nikon D780
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Nikon Z8
- +Z9 sensor in compact body
- +8K 60p RAW internal
- +Class-leading EVF
- −No vertical grip integrated
- −Only 1 CFexpress + 1 SD slot
- −Heavy at 910g
FAQ: Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z8
Which is better, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8? +
Nikon Z8 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon D780 worth the price? +
At $2,299, Nikon D780 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Nikon Z8 worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sensor.
Does Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for ergonomics, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8? +
Nikon Z8 — leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86). Compared on the ergonomics sub-score.
Which is better for video, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8? +
Nikon Z8 — leads on video (96 vs 76). Compared on the video sub-score.