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Nikon D780 — full-frame DSLR · 2020
Nikon

Nikon D780

full-frame DSLR · 2020

84
/ 100
From $2,299
VS
Nikon Z8 · Body only wins by 10
Nikon Z8 · Body only — full-frame · 2023
Nikon

Nikon Z8 · Body only

full-frame · 2023

94
/ 100
From $3,999
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z8 · Body only takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D780 lands at 84 and Nikon Z8 · Body only at 94. That puts Nikon Z8 · Body only ahead by 10 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 · Body only if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Nikon Z8 · Body only

Compared on the photo sub-score

Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on photo (94 vs 84).

Autofocus

Nikon Z8 · Body only

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on autofocus (92 vs 80).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Nikon D780

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon D780 more score per dollar ($2,299 vs $3,999).

Nikon D780 84
vs
94 Nikon Z8 · Body only

Score breakdown

Nikon D780
84
photo 84
video 76
autofocus 80
ergonomics 86
Nikon Z8 · Body only
94
photo 94
video 90
autofocus 92
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon D780 versus Nikon Z8 · Body only — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon D780 Nikon Z8 · Body only
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2020
2023

Nikon D780

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Nikon Z8 · Body only

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

FAQ: Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z8 · Body only

Which is better, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +

Nikon Z8 · Body only scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. 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 · Body only worth the price? +

At $3,999, Nikon Z8 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8 · Body only 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 photo, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +

Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on photo (94 vs 84). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +

Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on autofocus (92 vs 80). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.